ResearchKit… medical help
ResearchKit is Apple’s open-source framework that enables everyone to do their part for medical research. Developers can craft apps with real-time tasks and surveys with customisable modules they can build upon and share.
Ordinary people like you and me can easily opt into a study, secure in the knowledge data will only be shared with their permission. Moreover, they and researchers alike can reap hitherto unknown benefits.
Wired.com called it a new way in which to do medical research. When it was announced recently, it quoted Apply as saying that the “new software framework” could hopefully help turn 700 million iPhones in users’ hands into “medical diagnostic tools”.
“ResearchKit lets medical researchers create diagnostic apps that tap into the screens and accelerometers on the iPhone, as well as data from HealthKit apps,” wired.com noted.
Some of the early apps to diagnose various disorders are already available. These include the mPower app, which is built to gauge the effects of Parkinsons’. Tests within this app can measure hand tremors by using an iPhone touchscreen, vocal trembling using the microphone, and a walking balance test.
There are other options too : a diabetes-diagnostic app; an app to diagnose heart disease; an Asthma Health app; and an app to help victims of breast cancer. In short, ResearchKit is an open source framework introduced by Apple that allows researchers and developers to create powerful apps for medical research. Thanks to stuff.tv for pointing out to this development. Brave new world?
https://developer.apple.com/researchkit/
http://www.apple.com/researchkit/
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Buying on Alibaba.com
It’s known as BABA on the NY Stock Exchange. If you haven’t checked out this Chinese e-commerce company, please do. With its growing offerings and innovation, it’s bound to play a bigger role in the life of the Indian online buyer too.
Last week, one somehow ran into a documentary on the life, times and approaches of its founder, Jack Ma. He’s quite a colourful character in himself. But more than that, what’s interesting is the many diverse offerings available from Alibaba.com
Lost a cable for your camera? Need a battery replacement for some digital device, which is proving hard-to-find locally? Want an adapter to fit on a lens to your camera? Your search will possibly land you on Alibaba.com
Alibaba provides consumer-to-consumer, business-to-consumer and business-to-business sales services via web portals. It also provides electronic payment services, a shopping search engine and data-centric cloud computing services.
While it may not be large and all-in-your-face like say Amazon.com (or even Flipkart.com), it does its work silently and efficiently.
The group began in 1999 when Jack Ma founded the website Alibaba.com, a business-to-business portal to connect Chinese manufacturers with overseas buyers. In 2012, two of Alibaba’s portals handled 1.1 trillion yuan ($170 billion) in sales. It primarily operates in China.
What’s most interesting is the inexpensive manner most sellers on this network manage to send across their items, using China Post. I’ve had a good experience so far, and wouldn’t hesitate recommending it.
http://alibaba.com
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Check out this multi-remote stand, from Amazon.com. It’s priced at Rs 249 and comes in a curved step shape that allows your different remotes to be viewed and accessed from any direction. In short, prevent misplacing your remotes. It holds upto four remotes. Just what’s needed for this TV-watching generation?
http://amzn.to/1BFEUgp
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Adapters for cameras
Wrong lens? Unsuitable camera?
In the world of interchangeable cameras, we often come across a situation where we have a lens which doesn’t fit the camera we have.
With online shopping (and searching) becoming a reality, it’s easier to find a suitable adapter to solve this problem. Go online and search for the lens plus the camera you have. Together with the term ‘adapter’. More often than not, you’ll find some option or the other.
Please note that not all lenses will work as the original. For instance, some auto-focus lenses might turn into manual ones, once an adapter is added to adjust them to the camera you have.
http://amzn.to/1IgRJ1X
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Wireless, charging?
Wireless charging of your mobile is very convenient but slow. Now the Wireless Power Consortium has announced the new Qi standard, which will change the situation. Currently Qi chargers kick out 5 watts, but that’s going to be tripled to 15 watts for faster charging.
“This should help narrow the gap between plonking your phone on a wireless charging pad and plugging it in, making the quick top-up more fulfilling for your phone,” comments pocket-lint.com
It’s not clear whether existing devices will benefit, or we’ll just have to .. upgrade!
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Designs… in ripples
It’s called the Ripple Maker, and can print any design — even your face — on your morning cup of coffee. It uses 3D printing and printable coffee extract stored in ‘Ripple Pods’ to create customised designs in ten seconds.
It connects to a website or an app, where customers can select their preferred design from an online library. Or upload their selfies.
The cost? $999 and a monthly fee of $75. That’s steep.
