“Paper Battery” for use with RFID

Nearly a year after NEC rolled out its paper-thin ORB batteries, Korean battery manufacturer Rocket is launching (ahem) its own uber-thin battery. While juicy, scientific details aren’t readily available, we do know that the “paper battery” won’t include any toxic chemicals, is “flexible and thin,” and molds together the companies “thin film technologies” with its battery knowledge. The company hopes to entice heavy RFID users, smart card manufacturers, and “cosmetic / drug delivery system” providers to utilize the paper battery in powering the already-miniscule devices. Oddly, Rocket also envisions its new creation being used in “teeth whitening, anti-aging, and wrinkle care,” though we’re not exactly sure how electrifying a tooth will brighten your smile. Nevertheless, the company hopes to have its newfangled power source attached to crates and body parts real soon, and confidently assures us that it “doesn’t cause explosions or fires.” Phew.

Rocket - Korean battery manufacturer

source [engadget]

Google Earth 內建古地圖

Google Earth 這套讓不少人喜歡在網路上逛地球的軟體，又再度推陳出新：從一開始的 2D 平面照相，到後來推出的將實景模擬 3D 化，這次更進化到四次元世界！只要將 Google Earth 中的古地圖功能開啟，即可看到前人所繪製出的世界地圖，且 Google Earth 仍能保留著實際地圖的線條，今昔相比之下更顯得趣味盎然。Google Earth 共內建了 10 多種的古地圖，但也不僅止於西方世界的地圖，其中不乏東方文化，收錄了日本在 18 世紀初所繪製，範圍幾乎包含了整個亞洲的 “南瞻部洲萬國掌?之圖”。而除了廣域的地圖之外，也收錄了如 1680 年的東京、1843 年倫敦、1716 時的巴黎等區域性地圖。

有興趣的網友可先下載新版本的 Google Earth，然後至 Layer 面板中的 Featured Content / Rumsey Historical Maps 檔案夾中選取欲使用的地圖，即可來一趟古地圖之旅。

source [frostyplace]