Tech News 2/16/10
Deadly Afghanistan Rocket Attack Actually Hit Its Target
When a pair of rockets killed 10 or more civilians in Afghanistan on Sunday, the military initially said that the weapons had veered away from its intended target by a thousand feet or more. But a spokesman for the American-led coalition now tells Danger Room that the weapons from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) actually hit their intended target. Troops were unaware that there were civilians were inside.
WIRED Danger Room
Solar Egg Charger Dangles From Your Belt Loop, Juices Your Gadgets
Not every gadget comes with an inbuilt solar charger, like the Puma Phone. XPAL'sSolar Egg can do the job just fine, dangling from a keychain or belt-loop (if you dare) and charging to 90 per cent in four hours.
It doesn't even need a hot summer's day to do so, with XPAL claiming it works just as well in "medium levels of natural light." It's compatible with all types of gadgets with (presumably) a few cables included, and will be out in March
GIZMODO
Shortage of Rare Earth Elements Could Thwart Innovation
Silicon may represent one of Earth's more common elements, but it transformed Silicon Valley into a high-tech corridor and helped usher the world into the Information Age.
Now rare earth elements with exotic names such as europium and tantalum hold the key to hybrid cars, wind turbines and crystal-clear TV displays - that is, if a looming supply shortage doesn't stop innovation in its tracks.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 16 February 2010 08:54)