The next supersonic passenger aircraft is coming in 2017

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, is backing the arrival of the newest supersonic passenger aircraft. Branson partnered with aircraft production startup Boom to unveil the prototype XB-1 Supersonic Demonstrator. Being able to make affordable supersonic flights have been a goal for Branson since the turbojet-powered Concorde retired back in 2003. The airliner promises 3.5-hour flights between New York and London for US$5,000.

Boom studied the Concorde was able to create from it a supersonic design that travels 2.6 times faster than current jetliners and has better fuel economy. Hardware comes from the likes of General Electric (engines), Honeywell (avionics), Tencate (carbon fiber), and Blue Force (composite structures). The plane can accommodate 45 to 55 passengers and gives spacious seating on each side with personal windows and overhead bins. The first XB-1 flight is scheduled to happen later in 2017.

Source: Mashable

Google Photos makes scanning photographs easy with PhotoScan

There aren’t a lot of people that still print photographs these days but we’re positive a lot of you still hold on to prints of old photographs. Now, wouldn’t it be great to digitize all these wonderful memories? If you think getting a scanner or having someone do that for you is too troublesome, Google has an easier fix with PhotoScan. This new standalone app can easily digitize your cherished photographs at high quality while getting rid of glare. The photos will even be added to your Google Photos account for easier organization.

You just need to take a shot of the photo you want to digitize and follow the guide on the camera on how to take the shots. This will help the app correct the aspect ratio, alignment, and even the colors of the images. Aside from that, it also gets rid of the glare that usually appears when you shoot with a smartphone. PhotoScan is available for both Android and iOS.

Microsoft and Code.org celebrate Computer Science Education Week with free ‘Minecraft’-based coding tutorial

Microsoft and Code.org are at it again this year with Minecraft Hour of Code Designer, a coding tutorial for students and educators. The two organizations partnered yet again for this entry for Hour of Code, an annual global campaign held during Computer Science Education Week from December 5 to 11. The web-based tutorial allows beginner coders to create and share their own simple Minecraft game, which at the same time is teaching them the needed critical thinking and problem-solving skills for working in this modern age.

The tutorial is available in 10 languages and is scheduled to be available in 50 languages by December 5. It’s designed for ages 6 and up and features Code.org’s drag-and-drop coding interface to teach computer science concepts like object-oriented programming, event handlers, and repeat loops. There will be a series of 12 challenges for players to overcome and resulting in them being able to create their own simple game that they can share with friends. Microsoft also plans to host hundreds of free workshops in Microsoft Stores around the world. You can secure a spot for these youth coding events through this link or by visiting your local Microsoft Store.

HP's performance Z2 Mini workstations are designed for CAD

With very few contenders in sight, HP is turning heads with its latest Intel Xeon powered mini PCs designed for compact performance. The HP Z2 Mini Workstation is expected to be available worldwide in December starting at $945.00 CAD.

HP unveiled the world’s first mini workstation designed for users in CAD and other compute-intensive industries. The stylish, new HP Z2 Mini Workstation delivers breakthrough power and versatility and at only 2.3” high is 90 per cent smaller than a traditional business-class tower.

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