The Light Phone is designed to let users escape that constant barrage of smartphone notifications.While the modern smartphone is largely about keeping the user connected to a host of social, professional and other services, the Light Phone calls to mind a simpler time, aiming to provide the user with a break from the intense connectivity of modern life. The project, which offers a back-to-basic...

There was a time when it was rare for a startup to reach the exclusive “Unicorn” club, the term given to startups worth more than $1 billion.But times have changed, and unicorns have become a lot more common lately. According to research firm CB Insights, there are a total of 99 startups valued at more than $1 billion, with nearly 40 of them joining the unicorn club in 2014 alone. In 2015, CB...

Generations before us have had lofty goals—being the first to fly, the first to walk on the Moon. A new challenge stands before us today: to capture the most extreme, most mind-blowingly awesome aerial selfie.One new startup—the Lily camera drone—might have just put this elusive prize within our reach.The Lily, a small drone camera with a satisfied expression, is being called “magic” by it...

Audi’s new Matrix Laser headlights have wowed LeMans racers and may soon do the same for European drivers. But archaic regulations will keep Americans in the dark for now.Lasers are the brightest, whitest lighting yet, better than the light-emitting diodes that only recently took over in cars, and because they can be directed just where you want them to go, they are in principle more efficient...

The ability to sequence the genome of a virus in the field is invaluable, allowing the source of the infection to be tracked and providing epidemiologists an important weapon in stopping the spread of disease. Until now, however, DNA sequencers have been large, fragile, and extremely slow to deliver results. Not exactly the sort of equipment designed to be schlepped around WeThe MinION: a game-...

MIITO is simply but intelligently designed to heat any liquid directly in a vessel while cutting down on excess water and energy usage.Miito's Kickstarter page says it was designed to prevent people from wasting water and energy, which happens when heating liquids in kettles. But we'll bet it's the lazy tea drinkers who'll truly have a place for it in their homes. The device heats not just wate...

Most vending machines seem stubbornly stuck in the 20th century. Intel sees an opportunity to change that sad state of affairs by transforming vending machines into Internet-connected devices. [click to enlarge]Such a solution could enable intelligent vending machines to continuously update their advertising displays and send wireless alerts requesting a refill when they run low on Coca-Cola or...

Undertone has tested pushing coupons for a candybar to consumers just as they pass a candy display at a grocery store, according to Eric Franchi, the digital advertising company’s co-founder. Advertisers are getting ready to invade your new smartwatch’s screen.Anticipating a boom in wearables after the introduction of the Apple Watch, digital advertising agencies are rushing to create ads and...

The E-Lock is a different approach to the traditional door handles we have in our homes today yet greatly resembles one. The design is meant to give easy access to your home in situations where your hands might be occupied. No more fumbling with keys or dropping your groceries to get in! When approaching the door, simply wave your e-key to the sensor to unlock and just give it a push to gain ac...