Flir Debuts Triple-Threat Video Cam

Flir Systems, known primarily for its commercial sensor products, on Tuesday made a foray into the consumer market with a new video camera that can be used for home monitoring, sports, and even as a dash cam.
The new Flir FX video camera, which supports WiFi, is a compact unit capable of capturing HD, as well as integrating with cloud-based analytics and a set of application-oriented mounts.
The mounts allow the camera to be used for a variety of purposes, such as monitoring the inside or outside of a home, capturing sports action from the point of view of a participant, or recording a trip from the dash of an automobile.

Gadget Ogling: Capacious Cases, Dumb Domestic Drones, Smarty-Pants Cups

Welcome to Gadget Dreams and Nightmares, the column that sifts through the silt of new gadget announcements to get to the golden nuggets that map our future.

On the riverbed this week are a Swiss army knife of a tablet and smartphone case, an indoor smartcam drone, a display for social media and Web updates, and a smart cup.
As always, reviews these are not, and the ratings reflect only my interest in trying out each product, and not how devilishly handsome I am (else the ratings would forever rest at 4 out of 5).

Reactions to New MacBook Run From Tepid to Cold

Early reviewers last week weighed in on Apple's new MacBook, and their reactions were tepid.

The new MacBook is 13.1mm thick, weighs 2 pounds, and has a 12-inch Retina display. Apple has touted it as the future of the notebook, pointing out that it had to reimagine every element to make the device lighter, thinner and better.
Reviewers praised the device's light weight, its sharp screen, the full-sized keypad, the new Force Touch feature and even the solitary USB-C port, although it is not backward-compatible with earlier USB technologies.

Flexible Aluminum-Ion Battery Recharges in 60 Seconds

Stanford University researchers on Tuesday revealed they had stumbled onto a breakthrough that could lead to the adoption of fast-charging, long-lasting batteries in the near future.

"An ultra-fast rechargeable aluminum-ion battery," which details the team's findings, was published in the April 6 edition of Nature.
The turning point occurred when the researchers were trying out materials to serve as a cathode, and they began experimenting with graphite.

Early Reviews Give Apple Watch One and a Half Thumbs Up

The prelaunch reviews of the Apple Watch are out, and though they're generally favorable, they include a few niggling complaints.

A select group of reviewers were loaned an Apple Watch for a week. Overall, their consensus is that it's a fine device for tracking health and fitness, it's great for making digital payments, and it has excellent battery life. Also, taking phone calls on the Apple Watch was easier than they expected.
However, there's a dearth of third-party apps, the icons are too small, it's slow to respond, the screen takes a while to light up, and it took reviewers some time to figure out what to do with the device and how to do it.
Other complaints:

Parsix 7 Morphs GNOME Into a Better Desktop

Parsix GNU/Linux 7 is a feature-rich rendition of the GNOME desktop that you must take for a spin regardless of how you feel about the GNOME desktop.

Linux GNOME desktop distros are a dime a dozen. What makes Parsix a shinier dime than many of the others is how the tweaking of the GNOME desktop makes this distro such a pleasure to use.
Parsix 7, code name Nestor, is wrapped around Debian GNU/Linux Wheezy 7.0. The project's goal is to provide a ready-to-use and easy-to-install operating system based on Debian's testing branch and the latest stable release of the GNOME desktop environment. The Parsix distro meets that goal -- and goes even beyond.
The developers parse out releases every six months, which include two annual major, and two-to-four minor distro releases. Unlike other Linux versions, Parsix offers smooth upgrades from older versions to the newer ones via the package manager system or DVD media. This is not quite a rolling release method -- but it definitely gives users a plug-and-play convenience that leaves what they have in place.
I downloaded the February 17 release. Version 7.0r1 is the first revision of the 7.0 Nestor series. Using it was a joy.
Parsix 7 is a work in progress. Its developers are rapidly releasing a continuing line of Release and Test versions to improve Nestor. As a result, the software versions of the Linux kernel and GNOME shell are already upgraded from the specs mentioned below.
I usually find GNOME desktop usability in various Linux offerings to fall short. Rarely do they provide a truly convenient user interface for my computing work-style. Parsix Linux is by far an exception.

Roku Offers Shiny New Streamers

Roku on Monday unveiled its new Roku 3 and an updated Roku 2.

The Roku 3 brings voice search and private listening via a headphone jack on the remote control.

Roku 3 Streaming Player

The Roku 3 is available for US$99.99.
The Roku 2 received a buff so that its speed falls in line with the company's latest flagship streamer.

Gadget Ogling: Dashing Buttons, a Plug-In PC and a Smart Teakettle

Welcome to Gadget Dreams and Nightmares, the column that suffered through the indignities of April Fools' Day to determine which new products were worthwhile and which probably should have existed only for a fleeting moment to commemorate that silly, almost invariably unfunny tradition.
On the thankfully post-April 1 calendar are an instant-ordering button from Amazon, a souped-up Chromecast, and a smart kettle.
The scores for each item are empirical and hold far more significance than merely highlighting my interest in using each item. These are also proper reviews, because I've traveled through a time vortex to test them out myself. Ha ha, April Fools.

Fiorina's and Clinton's Presidential Runs: The Irony Is in the Analytics

There will be a lot of irony in the U.S. presidential primaries and general election as campaigns ramp up later this year. Last time, with Mitt Romney, we saw a business multimillionaire and ex-governor get schooled in how to use analytics by a guy who wasn't even that experienced in politics.

Granted, the president may have sold his soul to Google in exchange for the win, but it was kind of like watching Jon Stewart beat Tiger Woods at golf.
Well, there are two women running for president this time -- Carly Fiorina and Hillary Clinton -- and it's likely that analytics, which comes from the male-dominated technology industry, once again will deeply influence who experiences either the excitement of victory or the agony of losing to someone less qualified.
I'll analyze that this week and close with my product of the week: the new Surface 3 tablet from Microsoft, which showcases the "rule of threes."

Microsoft Could Throw Windows Wide Open

Open sourcing the code for Microsoft Windows is "definitely possible," Microsoft engineer Mark Russinovich reportedly said last week during a panel discussion at ChefConf.

When asked about Russinovich's comments, Microsoft was noncommittal.
"We have not made any open source policy or business model changes for Windows," the company said in a statement provided to LinuxInsider by spokesperson Abby Smith.
While open source may not be in Windows' immediate future, Russinovich's remarks are a strong indication that the Microsoft of today isn't the trenchant foe of the paradigm it was in the past.
Open source code has become a part of business life, and Microsoft has accommodated that reality, he acknowledged during the ChefConf session.

John Oliver Tackles Surveillance in Surprise Snowden Scoop

Comedy talk show host John Oliver boldly went where few journalists from the mainstream media have dared to tread, grilling whistle-blower Edward Snowden about his leaking of thousands of NSA documents to the press in an interview that aired Sunday on Last Week Tonight.

Oliver raked Snowden over the coals for not having read every one of the documents, insisting there's a difference between understanding what's in documents and reading them.
The documents were "passed to the journalists," Snowden responded, "and they're using extraordinary security measures to make sure this is reported in the most secure way."
Oliver pointed out that The New York Times failed to redact a slide properly, so the redacted line -- that something was being used in Mosul on Al Qaeda -- still could be read.
"Well, that's a f*ckup," Oliver said.

The Apple Watch as Bullsh*t Filter? We Can Only Hope

In "iPhone Killer: The Secret History of the Apple Watch," Wired's David Pierce doesn't reveal any serious secrets -- because Apple never does -- but he does illuminate the early days of the Apple Watch, centering on an interview with Kevin Lynch, Apple's vice president of technology. It's an interesting read for sure -- an easy recommend for any Apple enthusiast.

And the most interesting "secret?"
The Apple Watch was created as a bullsh*t filter designed to save the world from the tyranny of iPhones.
No kidding.

Obama Draws Cyber Line in Sand

President Barack Obama on Wednesday signed an executive order that gives the Secretary of Treasury the authority to impose sanctions on entities found responsible for or complicit in carrying out a cyberattack harmful to U.S. interests. The Secretary of Treasury will have to consult with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General before enacting the powers granted under the order.

"Starting today, we're giving notice to those who pose significant threats to our security or economy by damaging our critical infrastructure, disrupting or hijacking our computer networks, or stealing the trade secrets of American companies or the personal information of American citizens for profit," said Obama.

Samsung Galaxy S6: If Looks Could Kill

Samsung's upcoming pair of flagship smartphones are distinguished by their form factors. The Galaxy S6 edge is almost identical to the US$650 Galaxy S6, but, for an additional $100, users get a display that spills over its sides, allowing notifications to appear along its marquee-like edges, without rousing the handset's display in full.

Reviews of the S6 and S6 edge have been warm all around, holding true to a trend that's been going on for several Galaxy releases.
It's the best Android Phone available today and likely will rank as the No. 1 smartphone in many people's opinions, according to Business Insider's Steve Kovach.

India's Tussle With Internet Freedom

The Supreme Court of India last week struck down a law that curtailed the freedom of online speech. The law permitted arrests for posting "offensive" content online. The highest court in India ruled that Section 66(A) of the Information Technology Act was unconstitutional, and in its ruling said it had no hesitation in striking it down.

The court had examined the legality of the law, which made posting information considered grossly offensive or menacing in character punishable by up to three years in jail.
The law was challenged by law student Shreya Singhal after two women were arrested in 2012 for posting critical comments following politician Bal Thackeray's death.
One of the women, Shaheen Dhada, was arrested for posting a comment on Facebook criticizing Mumbai's shutdown upon news of Thackeray's death. Renu Srinivasan, who only Liked the comment, also was arrested.
Since then, several other arrests have been made over comments posted on social media. The government defended the law, arguing that it was meant to deter people from uploading offensive material.

Google Goes Crazy for Chromebooks

Google on Tuesday announced two new budget-busting Chromebook computers, a tablet/notebook convertible with a full swivel screen, and a Chrome computer-on-a-stick.

The Haier Chromebook 11 (pictured above) and the Hisense Chromebook both are available for preorder for US$149.
The Asus Chromebook Flip will hit the market this spring with a $249 price tag.
The Chromebit -- also from Asus -- will be available this summer for less than $100.
"The price/performance of Chromebooks is becoming so compelling that they could and should put increasing pressure on lower-end PCs and laptops," Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT, told LinuxInsider.

Surface 3 Targets Windows-Loving Prosumers

Microsoft on Tuesday raised the curtain on its new Surface 3 tablet, targeting users who want a robust Windows tablet at an iPad price.

Up to now, those looking for a full-featured Windows tablet had to spend US$799 for a Surface Pro 3, but some customers will find their needs can be met with the new $499 Surface 3.
Windows tablet shoppers now have more options, noted Wes Miller, a research analyst with Directions on Microsoft.
"It allows Microsoft to continue to market and promote all of the innovations of the Surface Pro 3 and have a go-to product for those who aspire to get a Pro model, but it's not in their budget," he told TechNewsWorld.
"They're giving a pricing and feature alternative to people who like the notion of a two-in-one computer and who got sticker shock at the Surface Pro's $799 initial price without a keyboard," added Patrick Moorhead, founder and principal analyst with Moor Insights and Strategy.
The Surface Pro is a premium device with lots of bells and whistles, he noted.
"The Surface 3 has fewer bells and whistles," Moorhead told TechNewsWorld, "but Microsoft made some pretty good tradeoffs."

Proposed Amendments to US Cybersecurity Laws Under Scrutiny

The White House in January proposed updates to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act that have stirred controversy within the cybersecurity industry.

The proposals would allow prosecution under the CFAA of insiders who abuse their ability to access information, while setting aside insignificant conduct.
"If the proposed legislation were to be enacted, it would certainly have a chilling effect on cybersecurity research," Chris Doggett, managing director at Kaspersky Lab North America, told TechNewsWorld.
The current law already does this sometimes, and the proposed legislation "makes [stultifying research] much easier to do by broadening the definition of illegal activities while removing some of the aspects, such as intent, that mitigated risk for those who were doing bona fide research," Doggett continued.

Halo Fans Hunt for Truth, Microsoft Hunts for Hearts

Xbox and 343 Industries on Sunday released two live-action trailers for Halo 5: Guardians to encourage Xbox One owners and holdouts alike to "hunt the truth." The trailers aired during the season finale of The Walking Dead. The game will make its official debut in June at E3 2015.

In one trailer, the story catches up with Master Chief scorning an injured and supine Spartan Locke with an unsettling benediction.
n the other trailer, the roles are reversed, and it's Spartan Locke who's walking menacingly up to the downed Master Chief.

Retiring in a Tropical Paradise: Risks May Outweigh Rewards

One of the really attractive options for retirement is moving to another country and, for a fraction of the cost of living in the U.S., living like royalty. Well, I've been hearing a lot of stories about this over the last year, and I think there is reason for concern.

This isn't to say that a lot of folks haven't done it successfully, but I've met a considerable number who appear to be in denial or simply have no choice now but to ride out their decision, because they can't afford to move back to the U.S.
The folks who have been burned -- holy crap, do they have stories to tell. One of the best places to start if you are even considering this is Live and Invest Overseas, but it tends to be long on the promise and short on problems. However, you can learn a lot from it, and I recommend its seminars as place to start.
I'll share some insights based on my experiences. Then, with the temperatures going up, I'm going to bring back my favorite summer time product of the week: the ChiliPad.