Hasta La Gadget!

Maybe it was the gadget-in-a-gadget thing, or just that fact that it was a good ‘ole “twofer.” Either way, when the PadFone 2 from ASUS landed in our hands a few weeks back, we were pretty smitten. Now, the deal just got better thanks to the arrival of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for the “fone” part of that combo. While the proprietary skin remains the same, you can now enjoy all the new perks that 4.1 brings along. The update is being sent out over the air right now, so be sure to point your phone / tablet at the system update screen to make sure you get the goods. Now, ASUS, we just need you to roll out that keyboard add-on we wanted…

[Thanks, Quan Truong]

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, Mobile, ASUS

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Being over 50 is not a moral failing. Hitting life’s halfway point is certainly not something to be ashamed of or to try and hide. It turns out that for most of us, those pre-50 days were not better, by almost any measure, and advertisers should probably rewrite their copy to read, “30 is the new 50.”
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Deep-brain electrical stimulation has been around for awhile — rousing folks from comas and helping researchers find new ways to treat OCD, depression and maybe even obesity. Now doctors are testing the so-called “brain pacemakers,” on Alzheimer’s patients and the results are promising, but not conclusive. After a year of treatment, six patients showed higher glucose consumption in PET scans of the learning and memory areas of the brain — a change that is associated with increased neuron activity. Glucose metabolism typically decrease as a result of the disease. Researchers are seeking more patients for the trial, and are optimistic that the technique could one day be used to stave off some of Alzheimer’s debilitating symptoms.

Filed under: Science, Alt

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Source: Technology Review, Functional Neuro Modulation

BitInstant may be aiming for a Bitcoin debit card, but it looks like a European Bitcoin exchange will beat it to the punch. After working with French financial regulators, Bitcoin-Central has hammered out a deal with French payment processor Acoba and France’s Credit Mutuel bank to become a payment service provider, which allows it to function much like a bank. According to Bitcoin-Central, it’s the first exchange of the digital currency to be licensed to operate as a bank and function within the framework of European regulations. Customers will now have funds held under their name — rather than that of the exchange — at Credit Mutuel and insured by the Garantie des dépôts, the French analog of the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation). Soon, users of the service will be able to order debit cards that can use Bitcoins and Euros for purchases and cash withdrawals. Yearning for some direct deposit action? In a few months, the organization will be able to accept direct deposits and even automatically convert hard-earned cash into Bitcoins. The virtual bullion has taken its lumps, but this is a development that fans of the currency can be proud of. For more details, tap the bordering source link.

[Image credit: Zach Copley, Flickr]

Filed under: Misc, Internet

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Via: Ars Technica

Source: Bitcoin Forum

The built-in vibration sensors inside these Ghostbusters automatic night lights illuminate any room before you enter it. Then they stay on for 8 seconds, allowing you to get to a light switch before automatically switching themselves off again.