KAIST, a Korean science and technology institute has developed the Fireproof Aerial RObot System (FAROS). FAROS is a sort of drone capable of locating humans’ position trapped inside a sky scrapper through its inbuilt thermal imaging camera. The research team, that invents fire fighting drone, has demonstrated the feasibility of the localization system and wall-climbing mechanism in a smoky indoor environment.
Industry
Greatist raises $4.5 million to develop Millennial health site
Greatist has raised 4.5 million US dollar in Series A round. The company will utilize the funds to add more staffs, on the advertising department, to create additional custom programs like events and original content, according to Derek Flanzraich, CEO of Greatist.
Android: Skype for Android added new features making it easier to schedule calls and open Office files
Skype aims to help users be more productive with the two new features for Skype for Android. With these new features, users can easily schedule calls and open Office files. Microsoft has been improving their apps, including its popular Skype to perform better in various platforms.
Las Vegas taxicab extortion exposed – an outrageous $47 million in public overcharge
Las Vegas city cabs have overcharged the customers by a whopping $47 million, the findings reveal. The root cause of this extortion lies in its ridiculously high $3 credit card processing fees along with a hike in fuel surcharge. Long-hauling is also an added factor in duping particularly the tourists. The auditors have slammed some pretty harsh recommendations on the Nevada Taxicab Authority which regulates all Clark County cabs.
Freshii to Help Consumers Through 'These Dark Hours' as Chipotle Closes Stores Nationwide for Employee Meeting
Chipotle will close their stores across the country on February 8 for a few hours so that corporate officials can discuss the new steps the company is taking about food safety. The chain has been hit by frequent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses in the past year, with the cause not yet announced.
Latest News
Paris-based music streaming service Deezer has raised around $109 million in a Series E round of funding led by Access Industries. The latest funding will help the company to attract more subscribers even after putting their IPO plan on halt.
The adverse conditions in the global economy and weaker stocks on Wall Street may prevent the US Federal Reserve from going for a rate hike again. Some analysts forecast four more rate hikes in 2016, while Reuters' poll indicate three times hike this year. The slump in commodities, weaker global markets, slowdown in China's economy and lower oil prices are causes of concerns for the US Fed as these are upsetting the Wall Street.
South Korean currency Won has been volatile as it hit five-year low and recovered marginally. Won was tracking to Chinese currency Yuan as the dragon country is the major foreign market for South Korea. China's GDP rose 6.8 percent during fourth quarter marginally lower than the forecast of 6.9 percent. This disappointed the market.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations are buying thousands of acres in the US. Recently, Fondomonte California has purchased 1,790 acres of farmland in California. Almarai bought 10,000 acres of farmland in Arizona two years back. These companies have cultivating alfalfa hay and exporting back it to feed dairy herds. Local farmers in California and Arizona are expressing concerns over drop in groundwater table.
Saudi Arabia has ruled out allegations that Iran has been targeted in the oil price war. Saudi Arabian foreign minister said that it's demand-supply situation that determines price in the global oil market. The low price is also hitting US shale oil, which involves high cost of production.
An unusual drop in US crude oil, below the already low $28 a barrel, created quite a stir in the market. It seems the oil prices are at a continuous plummeting spree. The current situation seems pretty bleak with supply exceeding demand to a great extent, especially after major oil exporter Iran came back into the scene.
Luxe valet parking app is partnering with Tesla. The two-year old tech startup will provide Tesla owners in New York and San Fransisco its on-demand valet parking service.
Cocoon Networks, a Chinese-backed venture capital group is setting up a £500 ($700) million fund in London. The fund is aimed to invest in European tech startups.
After acquiring Lyft Inc, GM has also purchased ride hailing pioneer, Sidecar. The acquired entity has been tattering in consecutive years for ever growing competitions with rivals like Uber and Lyft. With the acquiring, GM now will be able to play a more active role in relative fields with the new two subsidiaries.
