63270249
submission
GTRacer writes:
Forbes reports that Hilton Worldwide, international hotel operator, is rolling out smartphone-based guest tools allowing self-service check-in, access to a virtual floorplan to select a room, and (in 2015) actual door access once checked in. The author states the drive for this technology is the growing influence of the swelling ranks of Millennials, who "[...] have a very strong inclination toward automated and self-service customer service." The security risks seem obvious though "Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts [is] working on using the same, or a similar, system soon–and Four Seasons is nothing if not secure and discreet."
48180435
submission
GTRacer writes:
Ann Makosinski, a Canadian student competing in Google's Science Fair submitted a flashlight which uses temperature differentials to power its LEDs. Her long-time interest is alternative energy because, "[she's] really interested in harvesting surplus energy, energy that surrounds but we never really use." Using Peltier tiles and custom circuitry, her design currently runs for 20 minutes or so and costs $26. A win at the September finals in Mountain View and/or outside investment could fund further development.
45172273
submission
GTRacer writes:
In response to Aereo's recent win allowing per-user over-the-air antenna feeds to remote devices, Fox COO Chase Carey said, "We need to be able to be fairly compensated for our content. This is not an ideal path we look to pursue [...]", that path being a switch to a subscription model. Spanish-language stalwart Univison may join Fox, per CEO Haim Saban. Aereo replied, in part, "When broadcasters asked Congress for a free license to digitally broadcast on the public's airwaves, they did so with the promise that they would broadcast in the public interest and convenience, and that they would remain free-to-air. Having a television antenna is every American's right." A switch to a pay-TV subscription model would stymie Aereo but could hurt affiliate stations.
