Unmanned combat plane prototype

The Ministry of Defence has unveiled its prototype unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV)…
Defence Minister Gerald Howarth said it was a “truly trailblazing project” and featured “the best of our nation’s advanced design and technology”. The aircraft is due to begin flight trials early next year.
Named after the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis is the first step in the development of unmanned strike aircraft, capable of penetrating enemy territory. Unmanned aircraft carrying weapons are already used in service, such as the MQ-1 Predator which carries Hellfire missiles, although these are only suitable for use where the airspace is under allied control.
“This is the next generation of combat aircraft and flight trials will begin next year,” Sqn Ldr Bruno Wood told BBC News. “It’s a technology demonstrator that could be used as a testbed which may form further potential solutions to the RAF,” he added.
The issue of “writing the pilot” out of the aircraft equation has long been a controversial topic, more so since the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) went into active service…
Peter Felstead, editor of Jane’s Defence Weekly, told BBC News that the development of UAVs paralleled the development of the first manned aircraft during World War I.
“First they were used for reconnaissance, then they were armed for bombing and ground attack missions and they eventually became air-to-air combat craft,” he said.
“This is the first step for the UK. This isn’t an aircraft that will go into service, it’s a tech demo, but it will prove technologies, demonstrate capabilities and inform the direction we [the UK] are going in.”

Mazda Reveals Next-Gen Engine And Transmission Technology

So far Mazda has taken a somewhat unconventional route to improving fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet, focusing on lighter materials and new designs instead of rebuilding its powertrain lineup. It has done the company well, but to move to the next level of efficiency the automaker is also planning on upgrading its engine and transmission lineup.
At next month's 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will reveal its next-generation of powertrain technologies, which include two new engines and an advanced automatic transmission.

Grouped under the ‘SKY' family of technologies, the lineup will include the new SKY-G direct injection gasoline engine, SKY-D clean diesel engine, and SKY Drive high-efficiency automatic transmission.
The engines and transmissions are due to be introduced from 2011 onward.
The engines use conventional technologies but by improving thermal efficiencies and reducing mechanical friction, Mazda engineers have managed to curb fuel consumption.

For the SKY-G direct injection gasoline engine, Mazda has managed to improve fuel economy over its current 2.0-liter gasoline engine by approximately 15%. The SKY-D clean diesel engine, meanwhile, improves the fuel economy over Mazda's current 2.2-liter diesel by 20%.
Finally, there is the new SKY-Drive automatic transmission. It improves fuel economy by approximately 5%, due to a complete redesign that significantly reduces mechanical friction, a revised torque converter and clutch with minimized slip, and an optimized lock-up mechanism. A rapid clutch action was achieved by identifying the minimum amount of fluid necessary, making shifts feel almost like a dual clutch transmission.
Also on show in Tokyo will be Mazda's Kiyora minicar concept, first seen at last year's Paris Auto Show. The Kiyora is a preview of Mazda's next-generation minicar and promises a fuel economy of 75 mpg.

Honda Develops Advanced VTEC Combining High Power and Environmental Performance

Honda has further advanced its VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology with the development of the Advanced VTEC engine, which achieves high performance along with outstanding fuel economy and lower emissions. The new engine combines continuously variable valve lift and timing control with the continuously variable phase control of VTC (Variable Timing Control). Honda plans to release a production vehicle equipped with the new engine within three years.

This new system permits optimum control over intake valve lift and phase in response to driving conditions, achieving improved charging efficiency for a significant increase in torque at all engine speeds. Under low to medium load levels, the valves are set for low lift and early closure to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy.

In combination with optimized intake components, these advances in control technology result in world-class dynamic performance along with approximately 13 percent* improvement in fuel economy. The new engine is also exceptionally clean, with exhaust emissions that meet both U.S. Environmental Protection Agency LEV2-ULEV regulations and Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport requirements for Low-Emission Vehicles, with emission levels 75 percent lower than those required by the 2005 standards (based on Honda calculations).

samsung digital camera online from dpreview

Got a chance to try the new samsung cameras out in the market… I black  sleek look and solid feel of this camera.. it actually got me thinking that I should carry a small point and shoot with me for unexpected photo opportunities. The NV3 and NV10 are slim enough to keep in your front pocket… These cameras are best decribed as a fusion of Technology and Style with portability of the user in mind. The only thing that stopped me from getting one of these cameras is that it uses an APS sensor..  like any APS sensor, noise sets in once enlargements are made…  hoping that in the near future the fix this sensor issue for the compact cameras.

Swann’s New USB Security Surveillance System for PCs

Swann Security, the global leader in “Plug & Play” security monitoring solutions, has announced their latest innovation: USB 2.0 DVR Guardian™.
This compact, portable system turns any PC or laptop into an advanced surveillance system, capable of monitoring home, office or retail space.
The system is easily installed by simply plugging it directly into the computer’s USB port. The DVR supports up to four channels, so the user can choose to display and record live video from one to four cameras.
With an easy to use graphical interface, the USB 2.0 DVR Guardian™ can be programmed for recording at a specified time, set for motion detection, or set up to auto e-mail a notification to the user’s e-mail account upon motion activation.
The Swann Security USB 2.0 DVR Guardian 4 Channel USB Surveillance System is a great basis for a home security system:
Provides viewing and email alerts from anywhere in the world 24/7. (Requires broadband Internet connection).
Record up to 4 cameras on your PC’s hard drive, ideal for notebook computers.
Set for email alerts when motion is detected, so that you always know if there is activity.
This surveillance system is a cost-effective solution to replace a VCR tape recorder; it also provides a digitised video image, which can be viewed on your computer and manages the recorded data with an index of date and time stamping.
Use the USB 2.0 DVR Guardian™ with your existing security cameras, or purchase additional cameras from Swann’s extensive range.
Be protected, monitor loved ones and deter thieves – be safe!
The USB 2.0 DVR Guardian™ has a RRP of £89.99 and is available at Maplin Electronics stores in the UK and online at:

New PenCam DVR-421 Mini Video Camera From Swann

Swann Security has launched the latest addition to its range of covert security devices, the new higher spec PenCam DVR-421.
This latest model features a higher quality design, combined with higher image resolution and better sound recording.
Ideal for undercover surveillance and discreet monitoring, or as a fun gift.
The PenCam cleverly conceals a Video camera and DVR inside a real, working quality ballpoint pen.
With the PenCam, you can shoot colour videos and upload the files to YouTube™, MySpace™, Facebook™, Photobucket™ and other social networking sites. Perfect for lawyers, sales people, law enforcers, mystery shoppers, covert surveillance or just Internet fun.:

• Simply click the top of the pen and it begins recording.
• Wear it innocently in your shirt pocket, place it in your desk organiser, or use it like an ordinary pen, whilst at the same time recording your own videos and storing on to the built in 2GB memory stick.
• The PenCam DVR-421 features time and date stamping and easy back up; it is possible to record over one hour at a time then upload to your PC.
• The built-in battery lasts for 90 minutes and is rechargeable via a PC’s USB port in approximately 60 mins.
• The PenCam DVR-421 is compatible with Windows XP/Vista, Windows Media Player, RealPlayer and QuickTime Player.

Other features include:
Operating System: Windows XP, Vista.
Internal Memory: 2GB.
Backup Type: USB.
Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-ion.
Recording time per charge: Approximately 90 mins.
The perfect business-person’s accessory and a cool gift idea!
The PenCam DVR-421 has a SRP of £89.99 inc. VAT and is available from Maplins in store or online:

D-Link Launches Wireless N Network Camera

D-Link’s new DCS-1130 camera provides fast and easy remote monitoring of security video from anywhere in the world.
D-Link has begun shipping their new 802.11n Wi-Fi network camera that enables users to remotely monitor live streaming video via the Internet.
Offering plug and play connectivity, the new D-Link network camera features easy installation and set-up, mobile 3G and Web monitoring, 16x digital zoom, motion detection, integrated microphone and multiple profiles.
The DCS-1130 connects to the home or small business network using 802.11n Wi-Fi with WPS support.
With 3GPP mobile surveillance, users can view a live feed from the cameras using a 3G-enabled cell phone, PDA or any compatible RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) device.
Users are offered a flexible and convenient way to remotely monitor their homes or offices in real time, from anywhere within a customer’s mobile network, by simply using a common 3GPP-compatible player on the mobile device.
“Our new network camera offers an ideal solution for the home or small business, providing many features found in more costly surveillance systems,” said Andrew Mulholland, Marketing Manager, D-Link UK & Ireland.
For advanced users, the DCS-1130 also comes with D-Link D-ViewCam™ management software.
D-ViewCam comes with a host of features including, the ability to record directly from the camera to a local hard drive, trigger motion detection, set recording schedules, set e-mail alert notifications, and even support up to 32 cameras.
It also allows you to upload a floor plan of your home or small business and create a realistic layout of where your cameras are located, providing you with better access to your cameras.
For even greater flexibility, you can record video directly to a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, eliminating the need for a dedicated computer to store video.
The DCS-1130 is available now for a recommended retail price of £189.99 inc. VAT.