Tag Archives: science and technology

SipSup mobile linked Drinking Glass disrupts Conventions of Communication

SipSup3 SipSup  is a new beverage drinking glass that communicates with smart phones via app technology to become an interactive media display and storage unit. When you have finished drinking your beverage of choice, digital photos and videos you have dropped into your glass via the SipSup app are left behind. The SipSup app enables you to keep your special moments only for yourself (private) or to make them visible to every person who happens to tap their phone to your glass (public). The social interaction possibilities are endless- many of us already spend a lot of time at coffeehouses or pubs, consider bringing your glass along- it would be a great way to meet new people and discover new forms of interaction- all via your hi-tech SipSup glassware. SipSup1If that wasn’t enough, another feature called “post-it”, allows your guests to leave photos or videos on your glass and even write on a fun message. Hydration will never again be boring. SipSupLogoA Slovenian start-up that prides itself on ‘out of the box’ thinking, the SipSup team have taken an object we all use on a daily basis and given it new functions. SipSup will stand out from the other glasses in your kitchen because of it’s distinct curved shape designed to naturally fit your hand. It’s base resembles the ripple effect of a drop falling into water and was inspired by the notion of  “dropping moments into a glass”. You can get this great looking piece of smart glassware on Kickstarter. For more information email: marketingdirector@thesilo.ca

 

 

 

Click to view on I-tunes
Click to view on I-tunes

COOPY handheld Smart Device launches Kickstarter Campaign

COOPY is a small, hand-held tool which provides users with a solution to complete multiple functions by simply clicking a button.

With the simple action of clicking one of three buttons included on this smart device, COOPY uses its own application to complete designated functions as set by the user. This includes, but is not limited to, sending predefined texts, alerting someone of your geographic location in the case of an emergency, locating objects and turning on home or office appliances, etc.

CLICK ME to watch HD VIDEO
CLICK ME to watch HD VIDEO

Aleksander Preglej, Chief Technology Officer of Pentasens:  “COOPY is perfect for any type of user: a business professional, athlete, parent, young adult or even a child. We also designed this device to include time and location awareness, so the functions automatically change based on where you are and when. This is one of the major features that sets us apart from our competition.

With the ever-growing demands of our day-to-day schedules and the potential danger of multi-tasking at inopportune times, our company wanted to create COOPY as an easy-to-handle gadget that allows you to be as productive as possible without jeopardizing your safety or the safety of those around you. We know that everyone’s time is valuable and sometimes it could pose as a risk when you’re trying to do too much at one time.”

Pentasens rolled out its first product, SensMesh, a wireless sensor system (www.sensmesh.com) in 2014, which evolved into a smart modular solution for boats, BoatEye (boateye.io). Keeping up with the latest trends in technology, Pentasens strives to provide consumers with state-of-the-art products, safe to use and modern and sleek in design.

Kickstarter Pledge Kickstarter campaign for COOPY runs until July3rd and can be accessed here.

facebook.com/getcoopy

twitter.com/getcoopy

Device Lets Mountain Bikers Check Sealant Without Removing Tires

Swiss invention milKit makes mountain biking with tubeless tires easier than ever. With milKit, riders and racers can quickly measure and check their remaining tire sealant with a simple, portable kit, adding sealant as needed while leaving their tires on the rim, maintaining air pressure, keeping their hands clean and saving time. The inventors are currently running a campaign on IndieGoGo

MilKit LogoTubeless without the tedium: milKit is the fastest way to inspect, measure and add sealant; easy to install and compatible with all standard rims.

Tubeless tires have more traction, a lower rolling resistance and are more puncture proof than traditional bike tires. But they can also be a pain to maintain, potentially slowing you down in the middle of a race — unless you’re riding with milKit.

Mountain bikers riding on tubeless tires normally must detach their tires to check their remaining sealant, a time-consuming and messy process. milKit eliminates the guessing game and lets professional and amateur riders alike quickly and easily check and add to their remaining sealant in seconds, while their tires remain on their rims and their bikes stay at the ready.

MilKit Use Instructions

The Swiss invention milKit comprises two easy-to-install valves that are compatible with all standard rims and a custom applicator that lets bikers remove, inspect and inject sealant whenever needed, with no mess or fuss.

Installation:

–       Installing milKit is easy: Insert the special milKit valves like usual valves in rims. They fit to any standard rim.

–       Pump the tire to 1.5 bar / 22psi

–       Insert sealant with the milKit applicator and keep your hands clean

Advantages:

–       Save time: Measure and refill sealant without deflating the tire.

–       No more guessing games: Riders will always know exactly how much sealant is needed

–       A rubber flab prevents sealant from filling and blocking the valves

–       Clean hands and simple to use

Maintaining sealant volume and quality is paramount to a safe ride over any terrain, and there’s no better way to do it than with milKit. And milKit means briefer pit stops during endurance races, when a few minutes saved can make all the difference.

Thomas FrischknechtProfessional riders agree: mountain biking legend Thomas Frischknecht approved of our prototypes, and Cape Epic 2015 champion Christoph Sauser believes they’re “great.”

The portable milKit applicator has a home in every biker’s pack. And now mountain bikers all over the world can use Indiegogo to help make milKit the ubiquitous product it deserves to be. By contributing on Indiegogo riders can ensure they’re among the first to experience easy tubeless mountain biking and faster races. Head to the milKit website to see for yourself what milKit can do.

About milKit

milKit is a Swiss team of experienced engineers, designers and computer scientists that share one passion: mountain biking. They work together to develop solutions to everyday problems that face mountain biking enthusiasts. Checking sealant presented one such a problem, and milKit is the answer.

 

 

FCC Promoted American Broadband Competition And Net Neutrality

In late 2014- early 2015, the FCC stood up for more competition and more choice in local broadband. This is a critical step in making faster, cheaper Internet available for all Americans.

You may have heard that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just put in place rules to protect ‘net neutrality.’ That’s big news. But there was another important decision today to help keep the Internet competitive and open — and while it’s getting less attention, it may be just as important. As part of its agenda to encourage meaningful competition in high speed broadband for Americans, the FCC supported allowing cities to make their own decisions about investing in new broadband networks. More needs to be done to drive innovation in bigger, faster broadband, but this was a good step.
Canadian ISP client

While the FCC’s net neutrality rules can help prevent Internet access providers from relegating some applications to a “slow lane,” this move alone won’t lead to a world where every consumer has an ultra fast connection to the entire Internet. That’s going to take more competition and innovation in new broadband networks.

It’s been nearly five years since we offered to build a fiber-optic network in one U.S. city as an experiment — and as we’ve expanded Google Fiber into a business, we’ve seen firsthand how faster speeds can improve lives and give cities new platforms for economic development. Google is not the only one innovating in this area. Along with investments by other private providers, cities like Lafayette, LA and Chattanooga, TN have been investing in their own networks and developing public-private partnerships to that end.

The FCC decided that it’s important for users to be able to control their own Internet connections and for communities to make their own choices to suit their local needs for broadband. While it may not make sense for most governments to operate broadband networks themselves, we think faster, better broadband for all Americans is too important to remove an option for deployment.

Thank Chairman Wheeler and the FCC for supporting local choice and competition in broadband networks: https://takeaction.withgoogle.com/thank-the-fcc     For the Silo, Derek Slater Google Inc.

P.S. If you want to learn more about the ingenuity of cities supporting broadband investment and competition, check out Next Century Cities.

Supplemental- Test if your Internet Service Provider is “throttling down” your internet connection speed. (requires Java plug-in installed)

How competitive is the Canadian Residential Broadband Market?  ( Essay from 2009- has anything improved since?)

 

World’s First Hybrid Gaming Monitor

XL2420G Pushes the Limits of Competitive Play
XL2420G Pushes the Limits of Competitive Play

BenQ America, an internationally renowned provider of visual display solutions and a gaming monitor pioneer, today announced the availability of its revolutionary XL2420G monitor. Featuring NVIDIA’s G-SYNC technology, the newest force in gaming allows players to entirely eliminate performance issues related to image tearing, stuttering, and latency — providing gamers with the ultimate in smooth, fast-action play. Unlike any other G-SYNC monitor, the XL2420G gives users the freedom to switch between BenQ’s proprietary Classic Mode and G-SYNC Mode to create a customizable solution that’s made to conquer opponents in any gaming situation.

“Giving players the ability to select between gameplay modes offers customization advantages that are currently unequaled in the marketplace,” said Bob Wudeck, Associate Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for BenQ America Corp. “When paired with BenQ’s RevolutionEyes technology, the XL2420G provides a hybrid experience which is both blazingly fast and incredibly comfortable. With the launch of this long-awaited innovation, BenQ is proud to be behind one of the most significant advancements in the history of competitive gaming technology.”

Benq Hybrid Monitor Blue Light Feature

Equipped with an innovative hybrid engine, BenQ’s XL2420G is the new apex of virtual gaming. Featuring a wide 24-inch screen, amazingly fast 1ms GTG response time, and crisp LED display, the advanced monitor allows users to select between two new gaming modes: G-SYNC Mode, which ensures that images appear instantly the moment they are rendered, and BenQ’s proprietary Classic Mode for added versatility during gaming settings unsupported by G-SYNC. Users simply switch their input cables to match their gaming requirements — elevating gameplay to an entirely new level.

To increase visual comfort, the XL2420G features BenQ’s RevolutionEyes™ technology. Using ZeroFlicker™ capabilities, the monitor eliminates traditional LED flicker issues and supports eSports enthusiasts in longer gaming sessions by providing more comfort during competitive action. The RevolutionEyes monitor also features BenQ’s Black eQualizer, which enables total gaming visibility by allowing players to adjust brightness without over-exposing white levels, revealing critical combat details with improved visibility in darkened areas. In addition, the monitor brings an ultra-fast 144Hz refresh rate for faster pixel rates to give players complete control over any gaming experience.

For even more gaming comfort, BenQ’s latest innovation is equipped with Low Blue Light technology. Designed to manage the exposure of blue spectrum light, the monitor helps to protect players’ eyes during extended periods by providing several adjustable low blue light levels that automatically adjust emission without affecting picture quality. For setup flexibility, the monitors are fully height-adjustable and feature an intuitive on-screen user interface and controller, allowing gamers to save and quickly access their gaming preferences.

Now shipping, the XL2420G retails at US$649. More information on the full line of BenQ products is available at www.BenQ.us.

Most Exciting Sci-Tech Electronics Of 2013

Alex Hillsberg SciTech Writer

2013 will be remembered for many things, but in the world of consumer electronics it will be remembered as a year when techpreneurs proved that innovation lives and the spirit of enterprise still burns strong.

The technologies propping up the gadgets on display in this infographic are a product of incremental development, iterations of ideas that have been gestating for many years and are slowly being integrated into products that we use daily.

Take fingerprint authentication, for instance, on the new iPhone 5s. For close to ten years, the technology has been commercially viable but Apple made the bold move of finally putting an end to the forgotten password woes of its customers.

HTC finally incorporated the technology Full HD displays on a smartphone with amazing results. The images on HTC one remain unmatched for clarity and color accuracy.

Leap Motion made a leap of faith by investing in technology that changes the way users interact with their devices. Instead of the keyboard, mouse, or screen, we can now use gestures to make devices do our bidding. All for less than a hundred dollars with technology packed into a device no bigger than a bubble gum pack.

Google Glass is setting imaginations on fire with its unique first-person perspective for recording visual images. Is it ethical to photos and videos
of people without their permission and without them noticing that you’re actually doing it? Will the technology be abused? Will it change the way users live their lives?

For many, the questions won’t be as complex or thought-provoking. It might simply be, “Will I get an Xbox One for Christmas?”

Silo sci-tech writer Alex Hillsberg.

Top Sci Tech Gear of 2013WEB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brampton’s Skylink offers home app for mobile- allows phones to control home devices

Ahhh Jane Jetson- you really know how to take advantage of technology.
Ahhh Jane Jetson- you really know how to take advantage of technology.

 

We know they let you watch TV on the go, surf online, send emails and, oh yeah, make phone calls. But an innovative new tool now also gives you the power to use your mobile device to switch on any light in your home, open your garage door or turn on any other piece of electronic equipment, no matter where you’re located.

Ontario Technology firm: The Skylink Group – which previously introduced Skylink HomeControl, an affordable and easy-to-use system to wirelessly control your entire house – recently launched a mobile application, Skylink HomeControl App, that effectively turns your smartphone, tablet or PC into a remote control.

The handy app allows users to control just about anything in their home with the touch of a couple buttons on a virtual keypad, which can be customized to the specific devices they want to be able to access remotely.

 

 

 

You might be surprised to learn that home automation has been around for a long time and since the earliest days of electricity in the home, inventors and entrepreneurs have scrambled to find a useful and profitable way of harvesting radio waves and electricity.   Tesla was one such visionary and among his many accomplishments is perhaps the first use of control by remote- considered at the time, an important form of automation. In 1898 he constructed and demonstrated this remote control model boat in New York. image: kerryr.net
You might be surprised to learn that home automation has been around for a long time and since the earliest days of electricity in the home, inventors and entrepreneurs have scrambled to find a useful and profitable way of harvesting radio waves and electricity.
Tesla was one such visionary and among his many accomplishments is perhaps the first use of control by remote- considered at the time, an important form of automation. In 1898 he constructed and demonstrated this remote control model boat in New York. image: kerryr.net

 

 

 

Anyone who already understands how to use a mobile device or a computer tablet will be able to use this app easily. That’s the key to getting the
greatest benefit from new technologies – making them easy to understand and user friendly,” says Philip Tsui, CEO and the Chairman of Skylink Group.

The Skylink HomeControl System is designed for do-it-yourselfers and uses control modules which can be wired out of sight and wireless receivers plugged into wall outlets or lamp sockets, even wall switches and dimmers which replace your existing wall switches. For professionals, the Skylinkhome Wireless Control System has modules with three wires that can be installed almost anywhere.

The Wireless Control System can be used to control anything electronic, including:

.         Lamps

.         Coffee makers

.         Fans

.         Stereos

.         Fire places

.         Ceiling fans

.         Indoor and outdoor lighting

.         Garage doors

.         Security systems

.         Countless other electronic devices and appliances

Often cited as the "McDonald's of Home Automation" X-10 modules were considered a major breakthrough when they entered the consumer market in the 1970's. A central control unit (here seen in lovely 70's woodgrain) controlled separate modules that were plugged directly into a home power outlet. An appliance requiring automation such as a lamp, was plugged into the module and controlled via wired or wireless control from the X-10 'brain'. CP
Often cited as the “McDonald’s of Home Automation” X-10 modules were considered a major breakthrough when they entered the consumer market in the 1970’s. A central control unit (here seen in lovely 70’s woodgrain) controlled separate modules that were plugged directly into a home power outlet. An appliance requiring automation such as a lamp, was plugged into the module and controlled via wired or wireless control from the X-10 ‘brain’. CP

 

For those who may not have a smartphone or computer tablet, Skylink also has a remote control – the credit card-sized SkylinkPad – which can be used to wirelessly control devices in your house.

 

In addition to convenience, the Skylink HomeControl System helps users realize significant energy savings. With the touch of a button, you can shut off all of your lights or set up motion sensors to work with the system. The wireless system also uses timers to ensure that lights and electronic equipment can be shut off when they’re not needed. Dimmers also reduce energy usage, contributing to a greener environment and lower electricity bills.

 

About Skylink Group:

The Skylink Group understands the needs and concerns of the homeowner in providing a safe and comfortable environment for their family whether they are at home or away. Established in 1990, Skylink Group operates out of Brampton, Ontario. On
Twitter at @skylinkhome.

Supplemental– The Genius of Nikola Tesla http://www.teslasociety.com/radio.htm

The History of Home Automation http://www.eddriscoll.com/timeline.html

St. Catharines New Highest Technology Hospital Is Impressive

The Project: The 980,000 sq. ft. acute care community hospital replaces two aging facilities in the Niagara region and accommodates 375 acute care beds, with associated outpatient and support services.

Niagara Health System New Health Care Complex – St. Catharines Site "2oth Century NOT included" CP
New Health Care Complex – St. Catharines Site “2oth Century NOT included”

It provides a comprehensive range of clinical services including:

• a cancer centre serving 1,200 patients close to home, relieving them from the stress of travelling to Hamilton or Toronto for treatments

• a longer-term mental health service that includes 53 beds

• dialysis services

• cardiac catheterization services, which provides diagnostic investigation, reduces hospitalizations for heart disease and provides faster local care for residents of the Niagara region

The goal of this project was to provide Niagara Health System with a modern, state-of-the-art, one million square foot building capable of providing one million square feet of care.

In addition to design and construction management, PCL’s [ PCL comprises a  family of  general contracting companies  and is the largest such organization in Canada and the fifth largest in the U.S. CP ]scope of work also included the procurement and installation of more than 25,000 pieces of medical equipment, as well as medical gas, head walls, nurse call system, information technology, audio visual, and security technology.

Some of the many interesting features that set this building apart include construction of the first radiation suites in the Niagara region, an enclosed ambulance bay to provide protection to incoming patients, an interior design that strategically locates departments to minimize clinical travel time by staff, and an exterior design that implements materials indigenous to the Niagara region.

 

Interior and exterior architectural designs affect patient and staff psychology so why not design accordingly? This ceiling detail of the Walker Cancer Care Treatment Room ceiling reveals the care and consideration that went into the hospitals designs. CP
Interior and exterior architectural designs affect patient and staff psychology so why not design accordingly? This ceiling detail of the Walker Cancer Care Treatment Room ceiling reveals the care and consideration that went into the hospitals designs. CP

 

Architectural

• Main Street feature wall using a combination of indigenous and complementary stones that tell a story of the geological formation of the  Niagara Escarpment.

• Use of structural elements in the form of a tree at the main entry and cafeteria to create the canopy.

• First operating rooms in Canada to use Corian wall finishes.

• Integrated interior finishes and way finding system,using landmarks to help visitors and patients locate themselves in the facility.

• Enhanced use of natural light to infiltrate deeper into the building, with particular attention to patient spaces.

• An acoustical design at the building envelope to mitigate and isolate noise generated by a nearby train corridor.

 

Structural

• Blending structural elements with architectural finish and spectacle.

• Strategy of a structural grid system to maximize open spaces and floor to ceiling height.

• Foundation system and MRI inertia slab to address vibrations created by train traffic and a nearby machine stamping plant.

• Post Disaster design to address potential seismic event, to allow the facility to operate during and after as a relief centre.

• Use of cast-in-place elements to allow equipment flexibility.

Mechanical/Electrical

• Pandemic containment capability to deal with infectious outbreaks and disasters, allowing the facility to isolate building sections and departments.

• Building automation system, fully integrated with building elements and equipment to monitor and ensure optimal building performance.

• Back-up and dual power systems to ensure fundamental building and medical systems remain available and functioning at all times, including integration with the building automation system, to allow targeted load distribution to non fundamental systems to become available as required.

 

The Operating Theater. It's understandable if you think that this is a set from Star Trek-
The Operating Theater. It’s understandable if you think that this is a set from Star Trek-

 

Sustainability

• The project is targeted for LEED® certification. As part of the construction and design strategy, the project team developed several innovations and elements for a significant improvement of the target to LEED® Silver certification – from 26 to 35 points.

• Incorporated an energy efficient lighting strategy using natural lighting as much as possible, as well as the broad use of occupancy sensors and low energy lighting systems.

• Integrated and efficient cooling and heating systems, and an optimized building envelope system that helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• The overall energy strategy resulted in the Energy Model that realizes an energy savings of 46% relative to the Model Energy Code for Buildings, which is expected to produce savings to the client in excess of $1 million annually.

• Use of native and hardy plant  species and an integrated storm water management program, including irrigation and water features to eliminate city water use for landscape elements.

 

A look at the state-of-the-art radiation treatment facility.
A look at the state-of-the-art radiation treatment facility.

Supplemental- Corian mineral composite wall panelshttp://www.architonic.com/pmpro/corian-panels-mineral-composite-panels-mineral-composite-materials-finishes/3240623/2/2/1

1000 Canadian projects now LEED Certified/What is LEEDhttp://www.dcnonl.com/article/id55463

B+H Architects, designers of St. Catherines new hospital- http://www.bharchitects.com/en/projects/129

PCL Construction, builders of St. Catherines new hospitalhttp://www.pcl.com/Pages/default.aspx