Slide Show | July 2012
8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Slide Show
8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Digital Receipts
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Paperless receipts are going mainstream in 2012, with Whole Foods, Nordstrom, Gap and others stepping up their use. The move also saves retailers money and helps the environment. Over 9.6 million trees are cut down in the U.S. each year to make paper for receipts. Digital Receipts
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8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Apps for Faster Service
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The app, Tabbedout, lets diners pay with a smart phone -- no server is needed. A system called the Rail reads your credit card at the table. Then there's Presto, which does everything from summoning your server to showing photos of entrées. Presto claims 10% higher sales and 16% more in tips. Apps for Faster Service
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8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Light-Field Cameras: Aim, Shoot -- Then Focus Later
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8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Energy-Saving Computer Chips
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They'll soon become ubiquitous, creating an "Internet of things": Appliances, lighting, heating & cooling equipment, etc., will have the chips, tying them to the Web. Built-in sensors will regulate energy use, adjusting to real-time changes in rates or allowing control from a distance via smart phone, for example. A business owner will be able to dial back air-conditioning at the shop from home if energy rates peak. Other potential applications include medical devices, such as blood pressure monitors that automatically, wirelessly transmit readings from a patient at home to the doctor. Energy-Saving Computer Chips
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8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Supercharged, Super-Slim Batteries
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8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Self-Healing Airplanes
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The alloys are electrically charged during the manufacture of a piece of airframe. Charging the alloys magnetizes their molecules in such a way that a small nick or scratch disappears as molecules almost magically move back into position and "heal." Catching and fixing stress fractures early prevents bigger problems down the road. Shape-memorizing alloys may also find uses in the medical field. Self-Healing Airplanes
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8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Dick Tracy Watches
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8 New Technologies That Will Rock Your World
Miniature Video Cameras for Police
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The wearable video cameras can be turned on at the discretion of the police officer. They're generally for use in public areas during arrests, searches or interrogations. Citizen and legal concerns about privacy issues preclude continuous recording. Miniature Video Cameras for Police






