Researchers from the University of California, San Diego want to make it easier for wearable devices to communicate with one another. The researchers have developed a new wireless communication technique that sends magnetic signals through the human body. This technique could provide a low-power and more secure way for wearables to communication with other wearable devices.
“In the future, people are going to be wearing more electronics, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and health monitors. All of these devices will need to communicate information with each other,” said Patrick Mercier, an assistant professor in the university’s department of electrical and computer engineering. “Currently, these devices transmit information using Bluetooth radios, which use a lot of power to communicate. We’re trying to find new ways to communicate information around the human body that use much less power.”
Google’s new Chrome feature
Google has introduced a new feature in the latest version of Chrome to help developers transition between app and Web content. Custom tabs allow users to customize Chrome’s design to match the look and feel of their app, and to provide a seamless transition between apps and the Web, according to the company.
“Android app developers face a difficult tradeoff when it comes to showing Web content in their Android app,” wrote Google software engineer Yusuf Ozuysal in a blog post. “Opening links in the browser is familiar for users and easy to implement, but results in a heavy-weight transition between the app and the Web.”
Custom tabs will be able to take advantage of Chrome’s advanced security features, browsing experience, and other Chrome features such as saved passwords, autofill, tap to search, and sync, according to the company.
Sony settles with ex-employees
Sony has agreed to settle claims from former employees who were affected in the company’s hack attack last year, Bloomberg reported. Sony’s computer systems suffered a breach in November from hackers who the company claimed were angry about the movie “The Interview.” The breach exposed e-mails, personal information and company data, and caused Sony to delay the movie’s release.
Former employees claim the company was negligent and didn’t provide proper security to protect their systems and sensitive information. The terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.
