Give any VR headset mixed reality powers with this 3D camera

While Microsoft's HoloLens is the first augmented-reality headset you can actually try (if you're a developer, anyway), it's also pretty inaccessible thanks to its $3,000 price. Late last year, Stereolabs announced a potential solution in the form of the Linq, a mixed reality headset that will hopefully retail for less than $1,000. It offers a much wider field of view (110 degrees) and the ability to map a 3D space in real time, mostly thanks to the company's ZED 3D camera that's embedded in the headset itself. Today, however, the company is announcing an even cheaper device that'll transform any VR headset into an AR one: the ZED Mini.


As the name suggests, the ZED Mini is essentially a tiny version of the ZED 3D camera. The idea with the ZED Mini is that it's small enough that you can just slap it on top of an existing VR headset -- say, the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift -- and voilà, you'll get an augmented-reality headset without having to cough up thousands more dollars.

The ZED Mini works in the same way as the ZED. It has two cameras that are designed to work like human eyesight. Both versions have two 720p RGB sensors with the aforementioned 110-degree field-of-view. The ZED Mini uses Stereolabs' unique depth-sensing tech, which doesn't require external cameras or sensors. "It takes the point of view of the left and right cameras and understands the distances of objects," says Cecile Schmollgruber, Stereolabs' co-founder and CEO. The ZED Mini connects via USB-C to the headset and attaches via a compatible mount.

This means that unlike Microsoft's HoloLens, which displays images onto translucent screens, or the mysterious Magic Leap, which projects them directly onto your eyeballs, StereoLabs uses a basic 3D video pass-through. Instead of seeing the world naturally through clear glass, you're essentially seeing the world through the ZED's dual cameras. Think of it as seeing the world through a security camera rather than through a window.

I had a chance to try out the ZED Mini prototype for a little bit, and I have to say I was a little disappointed. The blurry and pixelated quality of the 720p video really dampened my experience, and even though the framerate was at 60 fps, I felt a little nauseated when I tried to walk around. A StereoLabs spokesperson said that could be because I wasn't used to the spinning objects, but seeing as I've had plenty of experience with VR headsets, I don't think that's the case. I have a feeling it's simply because the video quality was a lot poorer than I anticipated, and that threw me off.

Still, the field of view is certainly a lot larger than that on HoloLens. Instead of just a tiny square in your vision, the augmented view through the ZED Mini is massive (it's basically your entire "screen" instead of just a small window). In a demo of the solar system, it felt like the planets were floating all around me. The real-time 3D mapping is pretty impressive, too. One demo had drones shooting lasers at me, and I was able to block their shots just by holding up my hands. I could also use other objects in the room as shields, like a chair or somebody standing in front of me.

See Also: OCULUS RIFT BUNDLE

I was especially impressed with a lightsaber demo, whereby the team at StereoLabs essentially transformed a generic toy lightsaber into a virtual weapon. They mapped the toy so that the camera would instantly recognize its color and shape. So when I brought the toy into view of the headset, the computer vision would kick in instantly and the lightsaber glowed as if it were real. And because the game was programmed to recognize the lightsaber, I could use it to deflect lasers and slice drones in half. Despite the poor video quality, it was pretty fun to play a pretend Jedi, at least for a little while.

In conjunction with the release of the ZED Mini, StereoLabs is also updating the ZED SDK so that developers can start making games and apps for it using Unity and Unreal game engines (right now, the ZED Mini will come bundled with the demo apps mentioned here). Because it can be attached to both Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive, the ZED Mini is also compatible with the Vive and Touch controllers out of the box, so it shouldn't be too difficult to start making games for it. The apps will be compatible not just with the ZED Mini, but also with the upcoming Linq headset, which is basically the same tech but housed in an all-in-one unit.

We should also note that while the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive need to be tethered to a PC, the final consumer version of the Linq headset doesn't. Still, the Linq is set to be priced close to $1,000, with a yet-to-be-disclosed launch date. The ZED Mini, however, is expected to ship in September for $349. The ZED Mini might not have the immersion of a Magic Leap or the clarity of a HoloLens, but right now, it's by far the cheapest and most accessible way to get into augmented reality.

Brunton 5500 Portable Power

Robust, high capacity portable powerbank with integrated USB connections
• 5500mAh capacity, can charge your smartphone up to 5 times
• Includes 2.1 amp output to charge your tablet

Designed with the everyday, never slow down user in mind. Brunton's Heavy Metal 5500 has a sleek, urban aesthetic metal finish. Robust , lightweight and always there when you need it, perfect for the truly power hungry.

The high capacity 5500 mAh rechargeable power station (like SUNJACK HEAT BANK ) features dual USB 2.0 and Micro USB output ports to connect most small electronic devices using their USB charging cables. With an output of either 1 or 2.1 amps, this power station is ideal for charging tablets, smart phones, MP3 players, cameras, or other small electronic devices. The permanent internal battery is charged using an integrated USB cable that can be connected to any USB port, a USB/AC plug or Brunton's Solaris 4 USB solar charger. The compact and lightweight Pocket Reactor is only 12cm long and weighs 100g. There is a power button and LEDs show if it is activated or charging and the available power.

Also available in orange, white and yellow

This is no ordinary power pack, it is an extremely rugged, super-fast mobile power source that can charge a smart phone five times - I’m wondering how I ever managed to survive without it!

8 Insightful Tips for your Garage Door Maintenance

Garage door is the most frequently operated gate in your house, like gate opener (for example: MIGHTY MULE MM562 ) if not properly maintained and handled, it may wear out before time. Instead of spending money on repairing and replacement why not handle it with care?
Every kind of garage door needs inspection and maintenance for efficient functioning. You need to run a monthly check on your door system to avoid any trouble; since a garage door not only gives entrance or exit access to vehicles it is crucial for the safety of your house.
Monitoring the door system and lubricating at regular intervals is likely to enhance its durability. Following are some useful tips to help you maintain garage door system conveniently.

Regular Visual Assessment:

This is the easiest way to scan your door system. Do it on a relatively free day, like Sunday. Close the door and thoroughly have a look at all the wires, pulleys, springs and hardware. You will come to know if any part is getting damaged or needs replacement.
Assess slowly and meticulously, there can be a sound that was not there earlier or a nut bolt is loosened which needs to be fixed. These trivial things need attention because they can lead to a grave problem that might cost you a lot of money.
If you think that the door needs to be examined by an expert, avail the services of a technician and get all the cables, springs checked cautiously.
Maintaining the Door Opener:

Doors with automated door openers need monthly check. Once in a month you need to detach the opener and inspect if the door can be lifted and shut down manually without much effort. In any case, get it serviced.
When you get a garage door system installed with an opener, you feel over confident about its efficiency, it is true that these door are quite functional and secure. But like all machines or products that need proper handling, a garage door needs monthly maintenance.
Scanning the working of sensors:

Almost all the door systems have sensors to detect the presence of pets or kids. The sensor works by a laser beam. You need to monitor the working of photo eye or sensors regularly.
This feature of a garage door is vital for the safety of your pets and toddlers, Federal law made it necessary for the door manufacturers to add edge sensors for avoiding unpleasant situations.
In order to know whether your door sensors are properly working or not, bring an object close to the sensor and see if it senses it. Take a dry cloth and clean it. In case your door sensor is working, call a professional to get it repaired. Do not delay it.
Sometimes the photo eyes do not work because they are out of position, you can get them aligned easily. Scan their functionality after adjustment to make sure you have done it accurately.
Reversal Mechanism needs to be gauged:

Being a key feature of contemporary garage doors, you ought to gauge the working of reversal mechanism. There are some door models which do not have this feature, they need to be replaced.
Place an object in the middle of your garage door and close it with the opener, if the system is perfect, the door would reverse, in case it does not you need to call a technician.
Always seek assistance from a trained expert, do not rely on newer companies providing garage door servicing. A credible service provider would guide you better about the maintenance issues.
Checking the Batteries:

Automatic garage door systems operate through batteries, the latest models have longer back up time but even then you need to see if they are not out of power.
Sometimes a sudden power outage occurs and as a result your door system gets jammed. In order to avoid such annoying situations, frequently check the batteries. If you feel they are giving less output, replace them.
Training the Children:

There are incidents of serious injuries that have been caused by moving garage doors. So if you have kids at home, they need to know about the operation of garage door to avoid an accident.
If you have toddlers, make sure there are always accompanied by an adult in and around the garage area. For children aged 3-8 tell them that this door is not a fun thing and can hurt them.
In case of keypad operating doors, do not let children operate them.
Lubricating the different parts:

Like any machinery that needs lubrication for efficacy, different parts of your garage door also need to be greased. Take alubricant and spray it on the springs and joints.
Lubrication is not recommended monthly, you can do it after six months. Liquid Wrench is likely to give you best results.
Examining the Balance:

A nicely fixed garage door has a weight of 7 -12 pounds. If your door is heavier than that, it is out of balance. A heavy door mars the functioning of the door and affects safety reversal and other features.
Moreover a heavy door is likely to get damaged quickly and hence you would be looking out for replacing it. In order to avoid these hassles, examine the balance of your door recurrently.
Extra Tips:

In addition to the above mentioned tips, follow these steps to maintain your garage door system
In case of automatic door operating systems, you need to properly open and shut the doors, even if you are in a rush make sure to close the door on your way out.
Since the garage doors are vulnerable to damage in case of close vehicle contact, always park your automobile at a safe distance.
If you are using a touch operating garage door system, handle it with care since rough usage can cause it to hang and then you would be in trouble.
Some door systems need regular maintenance routine while others don’t require it too often. According to the kind of your garage door, tune up the various parts that need cleaning and fixing.

I hope these tips are enlightening enough to help you maintain garage door system deftly.

India can integrate 175 GW of renewable energy into its electricity grid

The U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has confirmed the technical and economic viability of integrating 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy into India's grid by 2022.

Working with the Ministry of Power and USAID -- with co-sponsorship from the World Bank (ESMAP) and the 21st Century Power Partnership -- NREL; Power System Operation Corporation, Ltd. (POSOCO); and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) produced the study Greening the Grid: Pathways to Integrate 175 Gigawatts of Renewable Energy into India's Electric Grid. The team used advanced weather and power system (for example: SUNJACK 14W PORTABLE SOLAR CHARGER ) modeling to answer many questions about how India's electricity grid can manage the variability and uncertainty of India's ambitious 2022 renewable energy target of 175 GW of installed capacity, including 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind, up from 9 GW of solar and 29 GW wind installed today.

"With renewable energy auction prices at record lows, an immense amount of renewable energy growth is anticipated to be added to India's power system," said Principal Investigator Jaquelin Cochran, a manager in NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis Center. "We wanted to provide a systematic way to plan for that. The results of our study can inform policy and regulatory decisions that support system flexibility and renewable energy investment in India."

The results demonstrate that power system balancing, where supply of electricity meets the demand, with 100 GW solar and 60 GW wind is achievable with minimal renewable energy curtailment. Curtailment is the amount of renewable energy generated that cannot be used due to grid limitations. India's current coal-dominated power system has the flexibility to accommodate the variability associated with the renewable energy targets. Low-renewable-energy, coal-dominant states can play an important role by implementing operational changes that would facilitate renewable energy integration nationwide.

The study used a detailed production cost model to identify how the Indian power system is balanced every 15 minutes, the same time frame used by grid operators. The results reveal operational impacts, such as:
The 160 GW of solar and wind capacity can serve 22 percent of India's power demand, providing benefits of fuel savings and reduced emissions.
The power system as planned for 2022 is able to manage the added variability of wind and solar without new, fast-ramping infrastructure (such as natural gas turbines).
In a system with 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind, coal plants, on average, operate at only half their capacity, suggesting the potential role for a new tariff structure that moves away from focusing on energy delivery and instead compensates plants for performance that achieves flexibility goals.

The study also evaluated strategies to better integrate renewable energy and demonstrated the importance of policy and market planning. The results of the study indicate that:
National and regional coordination of scheduling and dispatch eases renewable energy integration and results in cost savings by smoothing variability and broadening the supply of system flexibility.
Flexibility of India's coal fleet is critical to minimizing curtailment of renewable energy.

The results were based on a number of key assumptions the model made about India's power distribution system in 2022, including perfect transmission planning existing within each state, but not necessarily on corridors between states; compliance of all coal plants with the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission regulation that coal plants be able to operate at 55% of rated capacity; and perfect load forecasting, so that results would not conflate wind and solar power forecast errors with load forecast errors.

"The challenge is harnessing the existing physical flexibility of the power system through appropriate market designs, operational rules, incentive mechanisms, and other regulatory and policy changes," said Sushil Kumar Soonee, coauthor of the report and former CEO of Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO). "Robust planning will be critical to achieving the renewable energy goals set by the Indian government. In parallel with institutional changes, what happens at the state level will require follow-up and investigation. Additional studies will be needed to evaluate transmission and operations planning and generator flexibility as India advances toward its goal over the next five years."

Input data, assumptions, and study results were validated extensively by experts from across the Indian power system -- through a multi-institutional modeling team and a broad stakeholder review committee. Technical stakeholder review and guidance were provided by more than 150 technical experts from central agencies; state institutions, including grid operators, power system planners, renewable energy nodal agencies and distribution utilities; and the private sector, including renewable energy developers, thermal plant operators, utilities, research institutions, market operators, and other industry representatives.

This is the first volume of a two-part report. The first volume, the National Study, explores high-level trends and considerations from a national perspective. The second volume, to be released later this month, takes a more in-depth look at system operations in the Western and Southern regions. For an overview of the National Study's key findings, policy impacts, and potential actions, read the executive summary. For additional details, visit the website and download the full study.

What You Need to Know About Government Small-Business Grants

Looking to fund your startup? Let’s take a look at something everybody dreams of: free money or, in other words, landing a grant from the federal government.

“But wait,” you may be thinking. “I’m not a nonprofit -- I can’t get a grant.” Well, as it turns out, nonprofits aren’t the only organizations eligible for government grants. For example, from 2010 to 2014, for-profit company Canopy Apps received $2 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants to develop translation technology for medical professionals working with patients who don’t speak English.

Jerrit Tan, former CEO of New York City-based Canopy, believes more entrepreneurs should take advantage of the billions of dollars in business grants offered by government agencies, which can buy a startup valuable R&D time and boost credibility.

“You’re literally turning stacks of paper [grant applications] into money for your business,” Tan says. “And the government usually doesn’t take equity.”

Of course, nabbing local, state and federal grants involves more than cutting and pasting your business plan into an application. Here’s what you should consider:

Mompreneurs: Make Sure You’re Not Making These 7 Mistakes in Your Business

Juggling the incessant demands of being a full-time parent with the pressing needs of running a full-scale business would even have Superwoman balking in fear.

But for the many “mompreneurs” who manage to run successful businesses while also overseeing their children at home, it’s just another day in the office. For any mom (or, in fact, anyone) who is thinking of taking the entrepreneurial plunge, here are a few deadly mistakes to avoid.

Starting a Food Truck Business: 4 Legal Details That Matter

You’ve bought the truck, perfected the recipes, sourced the ingredients, incorporated the business, and had an inspection—it’s time to open up shop with your food truck.

Like most restaurants, this is all about location, location, location. Unlike brick and mortar eateries, food trucks are mobile—but this mobility doesn’t mean that you park anywhere and just get started either.

From obtaining permits to figuring out how trash works, here are four legal details to keep in mind when picking a location for your food truck.