Honolulu bans use of smartphones at crosswalks

If you find yourself in Honolulu any time soon, make sure to not text while you cross the street. The Hawaiian city just passed a law that will fine people who are using their phone while crossing the street. Starting October 25^th, Hawaiian authorities can fine first time offenders for looking at devices (even laptops and digital cameras) between US$15 and $35. It can go as high as US$99, depending on whether you’re a repeat offender. The only exemption is if you’re calling emergency services while crossing.

The Distracted Walking Law is important for the city. According to Mayor Kirk Caldwell, the city has more crosswalk impacts than “almost any other city” in the US.

Source: Engadget

Sketch3D enables easy 3D object modelling

Appy Monkeys has developed a really simple to use 3D modeller called Sketch 3D which allows anybody to model anything with simple taps to create 3D models such as chairs and cars to more complex organic models like animals,birds and humans. www.sketch3d.in 

The models are saved out in .OBJ format which can then be 3D printed or edited in more advanced software such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds max, SketchUp, Blender,Photoshop etc.

This particular “Box” modelling workflow is designed to let a layperson or student quickly and smoothly create 3d models.Its ideal for hobbyists, teachers and students looking to block out their ideas in 3D.Its an ideal introduction to the new world of AR and VR as it lets the user create their ideas in 3D space easily. The app comes to iOS and Android on August 3rd and will cost $4.99 USD.

McDonald's to offer limited Boomboxes made out of recycleable drink trays

McDonald’s partnered with Stacklab and the University of Waterloo to engineer its drink tray into a McDonald’s Boombox. It was scientifically engineered and lab tested for a design that effectively doubles the phone’s built-in maximum volume and achieves a maximum decibel level of 70.4 dB (roughly the same volume as a vacuum cleaner). 

The very limited Boomboxes will be distributed tomorrow, June 28 from 2-7PM along with free McFlurry desserts from their McFlurry Trucks in Woodbine Beach.

RISK FACTOR documentary and RISK NAVIGATOR app helps us better understand and assess situations

Everything we do comes with an element of risk. From daily actitivities to travel to sports to what we eat and what we're exposed to these risks may or may not pose threats. RISK FACTOR is a thought-provoking documentary by the award winning filmmaker Robert Lang that is set to air on August 2nd on TVO. The documentary is part of the national RISK FACTOR initiative that promotes the ability to better identify, assess and respond to risk. The initiative also includes a free mobile app, RISK NAVIGATOR, that is available on iTunes and Google Play. 

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