Cyber Currencies Get Boost from High-Profile Endorsements
Don't bet all your chips on crypto coins yet, but Apple's app acceptance makes things interesting. Larry Greenemeier reports
Jun 06, 2014•1 min
60-Second Tech
Scientific American Online associate tech editor Larry Greenemeier provides a weekly minute commentary on some of the most interesting developments in the world of technology
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Episodes
Thought-Controlled Flight Reaches the Runway
Researchers at Munich's Technical University had subjects control flight simulators with brainwaves via an EEG interface. Larry Greenemeier reports
May 29, 2014•1 min
Facebook Encourages Yentas to Share Info about Friends
The social network hopes to fill in the info blanks for its low-profile members by having their friends supply the details. Larry Greenemeier reports
May 22, 2014•1 min
The Internet Gets Amnesia—in Europe at Least
A European Union court ruling endorses the right to be forgotten online. The U.S. is less forgiving. Larry Greenemeier reports
May 16, 2014•2 min
Tape Data Storage Makes a Comeback
Sony's new process lets them store more than 185 terabytes of data on a single tape cartridge. Larry Greenemeier reports
May 12, 2014•1 min
Lytro Camera Refocuses on Upscale Audience
The Lytro Illum camera system allows refocusing of a photo after it's taken. It's faster guts and more professional design make the camera more attractive—and pricier—than its predecessor. Larry Greenemeier reports
Apr 25, 2014•1 min
Broadcast TV Streamer Aereo Fights for Legal Life
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether Aereo can keep streaming live broadcast TV to mobile gadgets and other devices. Larry Greenemeier reports
Apr 18, 2014•1 min
Being Bad at Video Games Ups Aggression
A custom-designed video game that frustrated players left them at least as aggressive after playing as did other games famous for their violence. Larry Greenemeier reports
Apr 10, 2014•1 min
Umpires Show Bias for Stars and Strikes
Baseball's expanded review system excludes ball and strike calls, which a study finds to be biased in favor of star players, especially late in games. Larry Greenemeier reports
Apr 07, 2014•1 min
Greatest Invention in Human History Helps You Avoid Certain People
The era of antisocial networking has begun with the development of apps such as Cloak, which identifies locations of your contacts so you don't have to see them. Larry Greenemeier reports
Mar 28, 2014•1 min
Eye-Catching Adapter Makes Smartphone Ophthalmic Screener
Researchers are developing adapters that let smartphones take high-quality images of the eye that could be used to remotely screen patients for eye conditions or disease. Larry Greenemeier reports
Mar 14, 2014•1 min
Facebook Plans Remote Coverage via Drones
A consortium including Facebook and Qualcomm wants to launch solar-powered atmospheric satellite drones that can carry equipment for relaying wireless networks in remote areas that currently have no Internet connections. Larry Greenemeier reports
Mar 11, 2014•1 min
Contest Takes Aim at Smart Guns
Competitions like the Firearms Challenge could give guns that use radio-frequency tags, biometrics and other tech a push into the mainstream. Larry Greenemeier reports
Mar 02, 2014•1 min
Mobile Device Thieves Face Off against Kill Switch
California wants to be the first state to mandate antitheft features on mobile devices, but carriers fear lost insurance revenue. Larry Greenemeier reports
Feb 20, 2014•1 min
Digital Flicks Invade Art House Cinemas
Paramount Pictures is the first of what will be many studios to release major motion pictures in all-digital, forcing small movie houses to upgrade their technology. Larry Greenemeier reports
Feb 10, 2014•1 min
Kid Smartphone Gives Parents More Control
A new smartphone for youngsters is being marketed for its ability for parents to set parental filters and strict guidelines for use. Larry Greenemeier reports
Jan 31, 2014•1 min
Your Driving Data Can Reveal Your Routes
Using data about when you drive, the times of your starts and stops, and your speed, insurance companies may be able to also tell where you go, even without GPS. Larry Greenemeier reports
Jan 24, 2014•1 min
Eye Reflections Could Catch Crooks
Photos that include people now produce images clear enough to make a positive ID of any individuals whose faces are reflected in the corneas of the people in the picture. Larry Greenemeier reports
Jan 06, 2014•1 min
Big Majority of Facebook Posters Self-Censor
In a study of user behavior, Facebook determined that about 70 percent of people about to post an item engage in some form of self-editing or self-censorship. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Dec 20, 2013•1 min
Whistleblowers, Courts Reveal Surveillance Secrets
The year brought numerous revelations about government surveillance on ordinary citizens. Do we care? Larry Greenemeier reports.
Dec 12, 2013•1 min
In Emergency, Smartphone Might Not Know Your Location
Just because your smartphone can bring up your position on a map does not mean that a call to 911 automatically shows responders where you are. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Dec 09, 2013•1 min
Snapchat Makes Messages Disappear
Snapchat, a time-limited message-sharing app, has allegedly turned down billion-dollar offers from Facebook and Google. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Nov 21, 2013•1 min
Polled People Ponder Whither Wearable Tech
A Harris poll finds that many Americans wondery how smartwatches and smartglasses would fit into the average person's life. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Nov 15, 2013•1 min
Are Google's E-mail Scans Wiretapping?
A group of e-mail users have filed suit claiming that Google's scans of Gmails for commercial data gathering purposes is in fact wiretapping. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Nov 04, 2013•1 min
Let There Be Li-Fi
Researchers see light-emitting diodes as the Internet gateway for tomorrow's wireless gadgets. Larry Greenemeier reports
Oct 28, 2013•1 min
Smartphone Security Could Be Based On User Behavior
With implicit identification aka implicit authentication, your smartphone would shut down after recognizing it was lost or stolen based on how the new user was fiddling with its functions. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Sep 26, 2013•1 min
Fido Learns to Fetch from Afar
A small backpack worn by a dog emitted vibrations and tones to remotely guide the canine from one point to point, with no handler present. Larry Greenemeier reports
Sep 20, 2013•1 min
Home Wireless Network Detects Elderly Tumbles
Wireless signals create a 3-D map of a room and can monitor any unusual movement, such as a fall or unusual period of quiescence. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Sep 13, 2013•1 min
California Tables Plans for RF Enhanced Driver's License
EDLs contain a RFID chip and let you rapidly reenter the U.S. at a land border without needing a passport. Proponents in California want to alleviate congestion at the Mexico border. Opponents worry about privacy. Larry Greenemeier reports
Sep 06, 2013•1 min
Professors Still View MOOCs Skeptically
A survey of professors finds that most see online courses as inferior to in-class lessons--but those who have taught online are more open to their potential. Larry Greenemeier reports.
Aug 29, 2013•1 min
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