VBB-3 is the world’s fastest electric car

Students at the Ohio State University are working together with the Venturi, a Monegasque electric car company, to create the new car which can be considered the fastest electric vehicle in the world. We are talking about the VBB-3 (Venturi Buckeye Bullet-3), which uses electric motors and is promising to achieve incredibly high speeds. According to the engineers responsible for the VBB-3, the vehicle will soon be able to achieve impressive speeds of up 640 kilometers per hour (400mph).

[Image Source: Venturi]

To reach this record, the 2 electric engines are powered by eight large lithium-ion battery packs each. That’s enough to total about 3,000 horsepower. There is also a high-powered parachute to assist the braking process of the vehicle – since it needs several kilometers to completely stop.

[Image Source: Venturi]

It is worth noting that this is not the first partnership between the two teams. In 2010, an earlier version of the vehicle – the VBB-2.5 – achieved the incredible mark of 494 kilometers per hour, also using electric motors. This weekend, the VBB-3 will test its engines at the Bonneville Salt Flats for a new attempt to break land speed records.

Source by:http://interestingengineering.com/vbb-3-is-the-worlds-fastest-electric-car

Chicago School Board Elevates Computer Science to Graduation Requirement

The Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday voted unanimously to make computer science a graduation requirement for all high school students beginning with next year's freshmen.

Chicago Public Schools has become a national leader in computer science education since Mayor Rahm Emanuel launched the Computer Science for All initiative for grades K-12 in 2013, the board said.

The five-year plan aims to make computer science a core subject taught in schools. It includes a partnership with Code.org to provide the curriculum and prepare teachers.

The White House last month launched a national Computer Science for All program.

Exposing students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, education early will provide critical skills and training for success in their careers and in life, CPS said.

Demand for computing skills will be greater than the supply of qualified job takers, according to CPS. That will create a gap of 1 million job openings by 2024.

While there were nearly 600,000 job openings in computing, universities produced fewer than 40,000 computer science graduates last year, the board said.

To help close that gap, Chicago public school students will be required to complete one credit of computer science education as half of the two-credit career education requirement.

"Rahm Emanuel's decision to require computer science in Chicago Public Schools should be lauded. These young men and women will now have the benefit of access to a discipline that would have simply been out of reach before," said Colleen Ganjian, president of DC College Counseling.

Education Sound

The board's decision will produce long-term gains, she told TechNewsWorld. If students choose not to pursue computer science after high school, the exposure will make them stronger candidates in the college admissions process. It also will introduce them to a variety of other career paths.

Schools need to embrace STEM to meet growing demand for better career training. There's an increasing necessity for schools nationwide to better prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow by encouraging STEM, according to Sidharth Oberoi, president of Zaniac.

"Providing exposure to students at a younger age is key to enabling better decision-making for individuals when they reach college or enter the workforce. The more extensive knowledge a student has, the greater the opportunity he or she has for higher salaries as well as the potential to have a larger impact on the betterment of society," he told TechNewsWorld.

Computer science education is an essential ingredient in the STEM formula and in today's education, noted Stephen Nichols, CEO of GameSalad.

"It allows for experimentation and rapid iteration and provides students with a platform to utilize and learn the fundamental concepts of software development and programming. A true computer science education will foster creativity and enrich the lives of students around the world and help set them up for future success," he told TechNewsWorld.

STEM Plus One

Eagle Academy Public Charter School took that concept further by expanding the STEM concept to include the arts in its STEAM curriculum.

STEAM Exploratorium is designed to challenge young students to create, solve problems, experiment, test, adapt, collaborate, explain and develop a sense of curiosity as they learn skills and strategies for the challenges of the 21st century, according to Executive Director Cassandra Pinkney.

The process "fosters engineering and technological literacy among students -- an all-important skill set in tomorrow's world," she told TechNewsWorld.

School officials are adamant about exposing students to STEAM while they are young and curious, Pinkney said. The goal is to inspire students to continue pursuing the sciences throughout their academic and professional careers.

Essential Component

The Chicago school board's action requiring computer science credits is important in furthering the intent of the Computer Science for All initiative. It will go a long way to increase the number of STEM candidates, noted Steven Rothberg, president of College Recruiter.

"The more students who are exposed to science, technology, engineering and math courses in high school, the more students who will choose to major in those fields in college, whether they attend a one-year technical/vocational school, a two-year community college or a four-year university," he told TechNewsWorld.

Exposure to computer science is critical before students enter college. In order for the U.S. to successfully compete in a global market economy, schools must present technological and computer skills early on, according to J. Luke Wood, associate professor in the Community College Leadership program at San Diego State University.

"This move sets Chicago as a national leader in preparing students for readiness in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our nation is not prepared to compete in the emerging world economy. Our ability to do so cannot solely rely upon bringing in talent from other nations," he told TechNewsWorld.

"That will require our nation to better prepare students who have been historically underrepresented and underserved in education," Wood said, "particularly students of color." 

Source by:http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Chicago-School-Board-Elevates-Computer-Science-to-Graduation-Requirement-83167.html

Apple Reportedly Working To Make Hack-Proof iPhone

Engineers at Apple are reportedly working on ways to close the iPhone security vulnerability at the heart of the company's current battle with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Apple is trying to boost iPhone security so it will never again find itself in the situation it currently faces, according to an article yesterday in The New York Times, citing people close to the company and security experts.

Acting on a request from the FBI, U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym issued a court order on February 16 compelling Apple to create software to help the FBI unlock content on an iPhone belonging to Syed Rizwan Farook. On December 2, Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, shot and killed 14 people at a holiday party at Malik's workplace in San Bernardino, California. The two were later killed by police.

With Apple's assistance, the FBI has been able to access iPhone data that Farook backed up to his iCloud account. However, the agency said it has been unable to unlock data stored on the phone itself, which was secured by a code known only to Farook.

Apple is fighting the court order, requiring it to develop software to prevent the phone's data from being wiped after 10 unsuccessful FBI attempts to break the device's security, and to turn off the phone's built-in time delays between such attempts.

'Software Equivalent of Cancer'

A person close to Apple said the company had started working on iPhone security improvements even before the December 2 attack , according to the Times. The article added that independent software security experts have spoken with Apple about possible solutions to its current predicament. 

"There are probably 50 different ideas we have all sent to Apple," Jonathan Zdziarski, an iOS-based digital forensics and security expert, said in the article. Zdziarski has also commented extensively on the issue in his blog, noting earlier this week that "the backdoor FBI is ordering Apple to create is incredibly dangerous." 

Apple CEO Tim Cook has voice a similar sentiment. In an exclusive interview with ABC News yesterday, he told "World News Tonight" anchor David Muir that the security workaround the FBI wants is the "software equivalent of cancer." 

"If a court can ask us to write this piece of software, think about what else they could ask us to write -- maybe it's an operating system for surveillance, maybe the ability for the law enforcement to turn on the camera," Cook said in the interview. "I don't know where this stops. But I do know that this is not what should be happening in this country."

Hardest Question Ever in Government

During a hearing this morning before the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, FBI Director James Comey said the Apple controversy is "the hardest question I've ever seen in government." Comey also appeared before the House Appropriations Committee to present the agency's proposed $9.5 billion 2017 budget.

Reuters today also reported that it had obtained a recording of a conference call last week between Pym and attorneys in which the judge asked for the parties to address the technological issues in greater detail. 

Critics of the FBI's actions have said its efforts appear to be aimed at setting a legal precedent. Although Comey has asserted the order would apply to Farook's phone only, news outlets have reported that Apple faces court requests from law enforcement authorities across the country to help them unlock data on at least 13 more iPhones and other Apple devices. 

Source by : http://www.toptechnews.com/article/index.php?story_id=122003TEJYDK

The potential of Windows 10 devices is revealed at Mobile World Congress

Several new Windows 10 devices were recently unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona, showing that there's still life for Microsoft in the mobile marketplace. 

 

Mobile World Congress 2016 took place in Barcelona February 22-25. As it name suggests, the annual conference is focused on mobility, and it is generally marked with product announcements from the international telecommunications industry.

However, this year brought several interesting announcements from companies introducing mobility products designed specifically for the Microsoft Windows 10 platform.

MateBook

In keeping with the international focus of Mobile World Congress, the first piece of hardware designed to take advantage of Windows 10 is from Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., a global communications firm based in Asia. It is the company's first foray into computer hardware that goes beyond its typical lineup of mobile smartphones.

The MateBook is a 2-in-1 laptop running Windows 10 on a sixth-generation Intel Core M processor. The device will be available through Huawei's traditional mobile phone channels.

HP Elite x3

Upping the ante on the power of a well-designed mobile device is the HP Elite x3, which was also announced at Mobile World Congress. The device takes advantage of the Universal Windows Platform to provide a smartphone with a docking station that transforms it into a personal computer with peripherals and powering a full display.

The idea of a powerful computer in the form of a smartphone is certainly appealing to the road warrior in all of us, but I remain skeptical of the purported power of the Elite X3 until I can see it crunch numbers on some of my more formidable personal Excel worksheets

ALCATEL Plus 10

Another Windows 10 mobile device announcement was the ALCATEL Plus 10, a 10-inch, 2-in-1 device running Windows 10 with 4G/Wi-Fi connectivity out of the box. The optional 4G LTE keyboard supplies the device with a double battery that supports up to eight hours of power.

The Plus 10 also supports a docking station that provides the device with standard USB ports and HDMI connections for full displays. The ALCATEL Plus 10 is another attempt at creating the perfect mobile computing device—powerful yet mobile ready.

Lenovo Yoga 710 and 510 PCs

Taking a more conventional approach toward mobile computing is Lenovo, with its new Yoga 710 and 510 personal laptop computers. The Yoga 710 is a convertible laptop powered by an Intel Core i7 processor. A 14-inch model and an 11-inch model are available. The Yoga 510 is also powered by an Intel processor and is available in a 14-inch and an 11-inch model, but the 510 is a little less powerful than the 710.

 Both the 710 and the 510 come in several configurations, allowing consumers to adjust RAM memory, hard drive storage space, graphics capabilities, and screen resolutions. The Lenovo Yoga series personal computers are obviously much more powerful from the computing perspective than the mobile-inspired alternatives mentioned above.

Bottom line

When Microsoft announced the Surface Book and the Surface Pro series last year, the speculation was that the devices represented what was possible in Windows 10-based hardware. The products being announced at the 2016 Mobile World Congress seem to back up that thinking.

Powerful, yet still mobile devices running Windows 10 are on the way and some appear to be very compelling. It will be interesting to see whether any of these new devices catch the fancy of consumers. With the emphasis on mobile computing, a Windows 10 device could be in your future. I'd keep your eyes, and your mind, open to the possibilities.

Your thoughts

The Mobile World Congress is emphasizing mobile computing, but is that really important in your organization? Are you looking for more computing power when your travel?

Source by:http://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-potential-of-windows-10-devices-is-revealed-at-mobile-world-congress/

Xiaomi Unveils Mi5 Phone to Spearhead Sales Drive Beyond China

• Billionaire co-founder Lei Jun focusing on new products
• The Mi5 will go on sale March 1 using Qualcomm processor 

Xiaomi Corp. trotted out its latest marquee smartphones as billionaire co-founder Lei Jun counts on the Mi5 to kick-start growth and claw back share in a slowing Chinese market.

The new phone will go on sale from March 1 starting at 1,999 yuan

($306), similar to the previous generation, with a faster Qualcomm Inc. Snapdragon processor and fingerprint-reader, Lei said Wednesday in Beijing. Xiaomi became the world’s second most-valuable startup after a 2014 funding round that valued it at $45 billion.

The Mi5 will form the vanguard for Xiaomi, which is trying to sustain a meteoric pace of growth that saw it displace Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. from the top spot in its home market. The company began selling phones in India and is branching into Internet services and new gadgets to offset slowing domestic demand that saw it overtaken by Huawei Technologies Co. in China.

“Xiaomi should put aside concern about sales numbers and market share,” Lei said at the event. “Thrilling new products and continued support from Xiaomi fans are two key issues we should care about.”

Xiaomi had been one of China’s most exciting startup stories of the past few years, after a fairy-tale run of growth that helped it secure $1.1 billion in 2014 from investors including GIC Pte., All-Stars Investment Ltd. and Russia’s DST. Its market share however has since been pinched by competitors including Huawei, the country’s leading brand in the fourth quarter.

It sold more than 70 million smartphones last year, falling well short of target and prompting Lei to tell employees he was refocusing research efforts into “cool stuff” like robotics and virtual reality. On Wednesday, executives declined to comment on a Reuters report it planned to develop its own mobile processor chip.

Shipments of Xiaomi’s Mi4 series exceeded 16 million units as of the end of January, Lei said.

Like its peers, Xiaomi now heads into a challenging year. Apple and Samsung have both warned of decelerating smartphone sales as markets become increasingly saturated and the economy in China -- the world’s biggest mobile market by volume -- slows.

The company also unveiled a premium version of the Mi5 that sells for 2,699 yuan with both versions running on Qualcomm processors and fourth-generation plus networks.

source by :http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-24/xiaomi-unveils-mi5-phone-to-spearhead-sales-drive-beyond-china

Shinetech Software, Inc. Named to IAOP's 2016 Global Outsourcing 100 List

Recognized as a "Rising Star" in the Annual Listing of The World's Best Outsourcing Service Providers

NEW YORK, LONDON and BEIJING, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Shinetech Software, Inc., a leading Agile application development outsourcing provider, has been named to the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals' (IAOP) 2016 Global Outsourcing 100 list in the Rising Star Judging Size category. 

"We are proud to be recognized by IAOP as one of the world's best outsourcing service providers," said John Vanderpool, senior vice president of global operations for Shinetech. "Being named to this year's prestigious GO100 list is very exciting for Shinetech as we continue to grow and offer services to our clients all over the world."

The Global Outsourcing 100 list recognizes industry leaders that provide the full spectrum of IT outsourcing services. An independent panel of industry-recognized leaders judge companies on five key areas: size and growth, customer references, awards and certifications, programs for innovation and corporate social responsibility. The final list is composed of the top 75 Leaders and top 25 Rising Stars.

"Choosing the right partners is more important than ever. Companies that outsource, not only in the traditional sense but also through the wide array of the ever-changing collaborative business models are scrutinizing their providers very closely," said Debi Hamill, chief executive officer for IAOP. "The GO100 is the definitive guide to help companies research and compare service providers with whom they are considering relationships."

The full Global Outsourcing 100 list and its sub-lists will be unveiled in the June 2nd Quarter Fortune 500 issue of FORTUNE® magazine in a special advertising feature produced by IAOP.

About IAOPIAOP is the go-to association leading the way to improve outsourcing outcomes by bringing together customers, providers and advisors in a collaborative, knowledge-based environment that promotes professional development, recognition, certification and excellence. With over 120,000 members and affiliates worldwide, IAOP is not only on top of the latest trends but in front of them. Through its expansive global chapter network, premier training and certification programs, knowledge center, member community and more, IAOP helps members learn, grow and succeed. For more information and how you can become involved, visit www.IAOP.org.

IAOP Media Contact:Kate Tulloch-Hammond
Director, Communications, IAOP
+1.845.452.0600, ext. 122
Kate.hammond@IAOP.org

About Shinetech Software, Inc.
Shinetech Software, Inc. is a global leader in providing application development outsourcing, systems integration, and solution delivery services from numerous development centers across China. Shinetech works with organizations of all types and sizes, including many Fortune 500 companies from around the world. During the past 15 years, Shinetech has accumulated extensive experience in the financial, manufacturing, healthcare, government, education, e-commerce and retail sectors. Our experience with various technologies and industries enables us to successfully adapt to our client's diverse needs ensuring successful project execution. Shinetech is also recognized as a leader in Agile development, leveraging Scrum and XP expertise. Headquartered in New York, London, and Beijing, the company also has global offices in Shanghai, Frankfurt, Karlstad, Boston and Sydney. To learn more, visit www.shinetechchina.com.

Shinetech Media Contact:Jayne Seward
Strategic Communications Specialist
CommCreative
508-861-2838
pr@shinetechchina.com

source by : http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shinetech-software-inc-named-to-iaops-2016-global-outsourcing-100-list-300223900.html