Danish Artist Who Claimed Empty Frames Were Artwork Appeals Court Ruling

Jens Haaning has been ordered to repay $69,894 to a Danish museum for the canvases, which were part of a piece titled “Take the Money and Run.”

Sierra Space Scores Record Funding, Eyes First Commercial Space Station

Sierra Space secured some significant dough during its latest funding round. The company says it will now allocate these funds towards the development of its commercial space station and other orbital tech.

Read more…

Ex-Microsoft exec Panos Panay is confirmed as the new head of Amazon's devices team

Former Microsoft executive Panos Panay will be taking over as the head of Amazon’s Devices and Services (D&S) division, the company confirmed. He’ll start his new role at the end of October, CEO Andy Jassy said.

“As a strong product builder and inventor who has deep experience in both hardware and integrated services, Panos will be a great addition to our D&S organization moving forward,” Jassy wrote in a memo. “I remain quite excited about the invention happening and businesses that we’re building in D&S, and look forward to working with Panos.”

It emerged last week that Panay was leaving Microsoft after a 19-year run, most recently as the chief product officer, where he oversaw Surface devices and Windows 11 development. Rumors quickly suggested that Panay would move to Amazon to lead the Alexa and Echo teams.

Panay will be taking over from outgoing D&S head Dave Limp, and the pair will work together for a couple of months to make the transition a smooth one. Limp also has a new job. He is leaving Amazon to become the CEO of Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ex-microsoft-exec-panos-panay-is-confirmed-as-the-new-head-of-amazons-devices-team-154233605.html?src=rss

Infineon’s NFC-Powered Smart Locks: No Battery And Controlled With A Smartphone

Infineon Technologies AG has introduced a single-chip solution for NFC (Near Field Communication) lock applications, enabling Keep It Simple Storage (KISS), a US-based self-storage solutions provider, to enhance its secure locking system.

This NFC-powered smart lock solution eliminates the need for traditional keys and adds a new level of convenience and security to self-storage facilities.

KISS’s smart locks can now be remotely controlled using a smartphone.

KISS’s smart lock system leverages Infineon’s NAC1080 microcontroller (MCU), a single-chip solution designed for passive NFC lock applications. The key features and benefits of this innovative smart lock system include:

  • Battery-Free and NFC-Powered: The smart lock operates without the need for batteries, Bluetooth, or cables. It is powered by NFC technology, making it highly efficient and eco-friendly.
  • Remote Control and Troubleshooting: Owners and operators of self-storage facilities can remotely manage and troubleshoot the smart lock system. This feature eliminates common inconveniences like auctions, lost keys, and lock replacements, reducing operational costs.
  • Integrated H-Bridge: The NAC1080 MCU integrates an H-Bridge, simplifying the system design and reducing the number of components required.
  • Energy Harvesting: The MCU supports energy harvesting, allowing it to be powered passively by the NFC field, reducing the need for external power sources.
  • Enhanced Security: The NAC1080 MCU includes features like an integrated AES128 accelerator and true random number generator for data encryption and decryption, ensuring data security in a low-power environment.
  • Smartphone Control: Users can control the smart lock system directly from their smartphones via the NFC interface. This allows for the management of multiple storage units through a mobile app.
  • Eco-Friendly Focus: KISS emphasizes sustainability and aims to reduce e-waste and carbon footprints through its innovative technology.

Infineon’s NAC1080 microcontroller enables owners and operators in the self-storage industry to switch from manual locks to smart locks without the need for disruptive add-on devices such as batteries, Bluetooth, or cables.

Doris Keitel-Schulz, Vice President of Contactless Power and Sensing at Infineon’s Power & Sensor Systems Division, highlighted the significance of this technology in creating eco-friendly living environments.

Infineon’s NAC1080 MCU not only brings convenience and security to the self-storage industry but also demonstrates the potential of NFC technology in various applications beyond lock systems. Its energy-efficient and remote-controllable features aim to transform how self-storage facilities operate, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing user experiences.

Infineon’s NFC-Powered Smart Locks: No Battery And Controlled With A Smartphone

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

‘Manchin Of Foreign Policy’: Menendez Case Could Mean Sea Change For Dems On National Security

On issues ranging from Iran and Taiwan to Latin America, the New Jersey senator wielded immense influence while being out of step with most others in his party.

NASA Astronaut Returns to Earth After Record-Breaking ISS Mission

After staying on board the International Space Station (ISS) for more than a year, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio has finally returned home with a new record of the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut.

Read more…

EA pulls its FIFA games from digital storefronts such as Steam

Electronic Arts has pulled its FIFA games from digital storefronts such as Steam and console stores just as EA Sports FC 24 arrives. As noted by X (formerly Twitter) user MauroNL, none of EA’s FIFA titles are available for purchase on those storefronts anymore, including last year’s title, FIFA 23.

It’s still possible to play some of the games through EA Play, the publisher’s subscription service. You’ll still be able to find physical copies of the delisted games on consoles if you really want them and, if you’ve already purchased a FIFA game on a digital storefront, you’ll still be able to download it again.

But you’re out of luck if you hadn’t yet snapped up FIFA 23 or one of the earlier games on the likes of Steam. “At the request of the publisher, EA Sports FIFA 23 is unlisted on the Steam store and will not appear in search,” a notice on that game’s Steam page states.

It’s not yet clear exactly why EA has removed all these games from sale. Engadget has contacted the publisher for clarification. However, it seems likely that a licensing issue is at play.

Last year, EA and FIFA ended their long-running licensing partnership for the classic series of soccer sims. EA has rebranded the franchise as EA Sports FC. It will officially release the first entry on September 29, though the game has been in early access since last week.

The FIFA name will still appear on other games in the future, just (in all likelihood) not ones made by EA. “I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last year, presumably with a straight face.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ea-pulls-its-fifa-games-from-digital-storefronts-such-as-steam-141312879.html?src=rss

Silent Flyer: The Wing-flapping Drone That Looks Like A Bird

An innovative Icelandic company called Flygildi just revealed their latest product, something called Silent Flyer; We’re talking about a pioneering wing-flapping drone designed to mimic the flight of birds, making it an ideal choice for security and surveillance applications. Unlike conventional drones, the Silent Flyer offers a unique set of features that address some of the key challenges in current drone technology.

One of the primary issues with existing drones is the noise generated by rotors, propellers, or jet engines. In contrast, the Silent Flyer operates almost silently due to its bird-like flapping wings and gliding capabilities. This low noise emission is particularly advantageous for covert surveillance operations.

Another challenge faced by traditional fixed-wing drones is their inability to hover, maneuver in confined spaces, or take off and land without specific ground infrastructure. The Silent Flyer, however, combines the benefits of both fixed-wing and multirotor systems while avoiding their drawbacks. It can glide smoothly, hover when necessary, and perform take-offs and landings without the need for specialized ground infrastructure.

Silent Flyer Prototype. (Image: Flygildi)

Key Features

  • Bird-Like Flight: The Silent Flyer’s wing-flapping and tail movement closely mimic natural avian flight, enhancing its ability to blend in with local bird species, reducing visual detection, and minimizing the impact on indigenous wildlife.
  • Customizable Appearance: The drone can be customized to resemble different seagull-sized bird types, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into various environments.
  • Quiet Operation: Its low noise emission level during gliding and hovering makes it ideal for discreet surveillance missions.
  • Endurance: The Silent Flyer’s gliding capabilities contribute to increased endurance, enabling longer missions and reduced operational costs.
  • Adaptive Sensors: It can host user-specific sensors or payloads weighing up to 200 grams, facilitating real-time data collection and enhancing work efficiency.
  • Versatility: The drone can operate in windy conditions, reach altitudes of over 300 meters, and achieve a flying speed of 55 km/h.
  • Portability: The Silent Flyer’s wings can be folded to its body, making it easily transportable to different locations.

In summary, the Silent Flyer represents a significant advancement in drone technology, offering a quieter, more adaptable, and nature-blending solution for surveillance and security applications, all while reducing environmental impact.

Silent Flyer: The Wing-flapping Drone That Looks Like A Bird

, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.

‘They’re Going To Pay’: Fetterman Blasts House Republicans For ‘Petty Chaos’

The Democratic Pennsylvania senator slammed House Republicans as the country hurtles toward a federal shutdown.

iPhone Designer Jony Ive Reportedly Discussing a Mystery Hardware Project With OpenAI

OpenAI is looking to continue to bolster its reputation as a modern-day tech juggernaut by pivoting from its incredibly popular software to hardware. The company’s CEO Sam Altman is reportedly in talks with Apple alumnus and product designer Jony Ive on the top-secret project.

Read more…