Trucking Goes High Tech

You'd think that GPS would help, but it may not

(NEWSER) - Technology appears to be making some people a lot stupider when it comes to the great outdoors. Thanks to GPS, cell phones, and emergency devices, more people are heading into the wild ill-equipped…then, at best, wasting rangers’ time with their problems—or, at worst, getting injured or killed. The New York Times explores the phenomenon, with amusing—and irritating—stories about hikers calling rangers to request hot cocoa, or signaling rescue helicopters three times because the water “tasted salty.” More»

Single-purpose devices' days are numbered: Manjoo

(NEWSER) - After yesterday's announcement that the iPod Nano now has a video camera, Apple's future direction is clear, writes Farhad Manjoo for Slate. Eventually, every iPod will be what Steve Jobs calls a “general-purpose device,” aka a small computer—a music player/phone/camera/web browser/GPS. Sure, Apple still sells dedicated music players. But its runaway hit is the multipurpose iPhone, the App Store is its most popular feature, and "tech is always getting cheaper and smaller," Manjoo observes. More»

They used GPS and satellite maps, phones

(NEWSER) - The Mumbai terrorists relied on advanced technology to carry out their attacks, and Indian security forces had trouble keeping up, the Washington Post reports. GPS devices enabled the non-sailors to get to Mumbai; satellite maps gave them "a good feel for the city's streets and buildings," said a terrorism expert. BlackBerry-bearing gunmen also watched TV to track the progress of commandos. More»

Privacy advocates question warrantless, undetectable tracking

(NEWSER) - As GPS units become cheaper and easier to use, police forces around the country are turning to the technology to easily track suspects. The Washington Post examines the advantages of this new crime-fighting weapon, and the privacy concerns it’s raising among critics. Cops can easily attach a GPS device to anyone’s car and remotely monitor the person’s whereabouts. More»

Innovative solutions for wilderness living

(NEWSER) - Wired sees a distinct lack of cool high-tech outdoor gear, and gives its favorite examples of steps in the right direction:

1. The Cocoon, a hanging teardrop-shaped tent/sleeping bag.
2. The Adamant, an earthquake-proof bed.
3. The Bedu Emergency Rapid Response Kit, a keg full of enough essentials to keep a family alive for up to 5 years.
4. The Urban Skiff, a portable sailboat.
5. The Firun Inflatable Sled, a snowsled that folds down into a backpack.