In a first of its kind, researchers have designed sounds that can be recorded by microphones, even when they are inaudible to humans.
Microphones are specifically built to hear the human voice – humans can’t hear at levels higher than 20 kHz. However, the new sound is completely inaudible to humans (40 kHz or above) and yet is audible to any microphone. The sound combines multiple tones that, when interacting with the microphone’s mechanics, create what researchers call a ‘shadow’; it is a sound that the microphones can detect. What this would mean is that military and government officials could secure private and confidential meetings from electronic eavesdropping or cinemas and concerts could prevent unauthorised recording of movies and live performances.
Flexible wearable electronics
Engineers at North Carolina State University have designed a flexible thermoelectric energy harvester that has the potential to improve the effectiveness of existing power wearable electronic devices, using body heat as the only source of energy. In comparison to rigid devices, flexible devices have been known to be less efficient. Researchers wanted to utilise the best thermoelectric materials used in rigid devices in a flexible package, so that manufacturers wouldn’t need to develop new materials when creating flexible devices. Liquid metal in the flexible thermoelectric device allows for self-healing. Future research will focus on improving the efficiencies of these flexible devices, by using materials and techniques to further eliminate parasitic resistances.
A.I. and the health revolution
With artificial intelligence rapidly moving into health care, researchers believe personal doctors could well be a bot. Bots, or automated programmes, are likely to play a key role in finding cures for some of the most difficult-to-treat diseases and conditions. AI is better known in the tech field for uses such as autonomous driving or defeating experts in the board game. It can also be used to glean new insights from existing data such as electronic health records and lab tests. It is also increasingly seen as a means for detecting depression and other mental illnesses, by spotting patterns that may not be obvious, even to professionals.
Xchime – a smart doorbell
With all things smart about the new homes, it is now time to extend it to the doorbell too. The Xchime is more than just a video doorbell. It is all about adding convenience and security, with features such as a garage door opener and smart light bulb integration.
Security goes beyond that of the front door. Xchime allows users to check out the status of the garage door instantly from the mobile device. One can opt to open or close it with a single touch via the mobile app.