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6 Bits of Tech News You Might’ve Missed this Month

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by | Mar 26, 2018 | News & Insights

The technology industry innovates and changes at warp speeds. If you’re not subscribed to a dozen different tech  publications, can feel impossible to stay on top of the news. We’ve got your back. Here are Tech Trends biggest stories from the past 30 days’.

In Drone Tech: Drones are being used to fight wildlife extinction.

Australian researchers are using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to calculate the numbers of endangered animals and aid in conservation efforts. Using drones to take photos of wildlife populations is quicker, easier, and more accurate than traditional counting methods. They also have minimal-to-no impact on the natural ecology, making drones a valuable asset in wildlife conservation.

In Entertainment: Samsung’s new chameleon TV.

Think your TV sticks out like an eyesore? Samsung’s got your back. A new feature, appropriately named “ambient mode”, enables the flat-screen to blend seamlessly into the wall when out of use. All you do is take a picture of the wall behind it, and then upload it to their app. With a single, thin chord for power, your guests won’t even notice it’s there.

In Social Media: Selfllery merges blockchain with likes.

The popularity of smartphones and free image-sharing sites like Instagram, Pinterest, and Unsplash have made it nearly impossible for photographers to turn content creation into income. Selfllery is trying to change that. Users can monetize their likes, comments, and other online interactions into cryptocurrency which can then be redeemed for Selfllery merchandise or professional-grade stock photos.

In Security: Amazon’s new home-security doorbell.

You’ve probably heard of Ring, the producer of high-tech video doorbells and surveillance systems that link to your phone for 24/7 security—or maybe you’ve just seen their humorous commercials featuring Shaquille O’Neill. Ring’s mission is to reduce crime in neighborhoods, thereby making communities safer for our families. Their goal may have just become easier to achieve. The tech startup of humble origins was just purchased by online shopping superpower Amazon, who hopes to utilize the tech to keep packages safe from theft and streamline delivery.

In Health and Fashion: The Apple Watch band that can detect potassium in your blood.

AliveCor’s KardiaBand connects stylishly to your Apple Watch, but that’s not all that it can do. The wristband can also detect potentially life-threatening levels of potassium, abnormal heart rhythm, and atrial fibrillation (AFib) with a small sensor that measures the electrical activity of the heart. While the wristband has yet to be cleared by the FDA, AliveCor’s most recent innovation provides intriguing insight into the future of fashionable, integrated medical care.

In Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin’s stock continues to fall.

Bitcoin‘s stock fell by another 7% this morning after Twitter announced a new ban on cryptocurrency ads. The digital currency giant allows individuals to make purchases online and 100% anonymously, raising concerns in some world governments about taxation and regulation. The digital currency’s value is down 42% year-to-date, valued at only $8,000 after starting off the year at $13,000.