New Atlas

Health & Wellbeing Audio available

Isolated Amazon tribes reveal clue to source of high blood pressure in the West

Rich Haridy November 14, 2018

A study of two isolated South American tribes has shed light on the influence of diet in the onset of hypertension, upending the common consensus that higher blood pressure is a direct, and inevitable, consequence of aging.

The isolated tribe showed no increase in blood pressure as they age, compared to a nearby ...

Mobile Technology

Amazon's IPX8-rated Kindle Paperwhite can be dunked underwater for 60 minutes

Nick Lavars October 16, 2018

Amazon has rolled out yet a thinner and lighter Paperwhite with double the storage. The new version brings some premium trimmings to Amazon’s mid-level e-reader, most notably in the form of high-level waterproofing for relaxing reading in tub or by the pool.

The new Kindle Paperwhite is the first in the series to feature IPX8 waterproof rating

Electronics

Amazon has a host of new Echo and Alexa devices to smarten up your home (and car)

David Nield September 20, 2018

In an announcement-packed press show that seems to be becoming an annual event for Amazon, the company has unveiled a host of different Echo-branded and Alexa-powered devices for 2018, including redesigned speakers and a smart microwave. We've got the details on everything that's new.

Amazon has a host of new and improved Echo devices for the holiday season

Architecture

Peruvian students claim World Architecture Festival's inaugural water prize

Nick Lavars August 16, 2018

As part of its annual jamboree celebrating the best in design from around the globe, the World Architecture Festival will this year introduce a new award that tackles the critical challenges around water scarcity.

A team of Peruvian students have claimed the inaugural Water Research Prize at the World Architecture ...

Computers

Amazon under pressure to stop selling facial recognition tech to police

Rich Haridy June 18, 2018

Days after the first shots were fired in a looming UK legal battle questioning law enforcement uses of facial recognition technology, Amazon has been bombarded with a massive petition and several letters demanding it stop providing a similar technology to governments and law enforcement.

Amazon is under increasing pressure from civil rights groups and shareholders to stop selling its facial ...

Around The Home

Amazon's Fire TV Cube brings voice control to your whole entertainment setup

Michael Irving June 7, 2018

Amazon has announced the latest in its line of Alexa-enabled streaming devices, the Fire TV Cube, which lets you bark voice commands at the TV and other devices from across the room, and access other Alexa mainstays like weather and sports updates.

Amazon's Fire TV Cube lets you bark voice commands at your TV and other devices

Around The Home Feature

Alexa controversy: What are voice assistants teaching our children?

Rich Haridy May 13, 2018

As Amazon targets children with the release of its Echo Dot Kids Edition, concerns are being raised over the effects voice assistants could be having on children. Is teaching kids how to politely command Alexa enough, or are there long-term developmental consequences to children using such devices?

Children

Amazon targets youngsters with Echo Dot Kids Edition and custom Alexa

Darren Quick April 25, 2018

If video of Alexa returning some slightly age-inappropriate results to toddlers' queries has prevented you from welcoming the virtual assistant into your home, then a custom version designed for little ones, along with the new Echo Dot Kids Edition, might address your reservations.

Amazon's new Echo Dot Kids Edition and FreeTime feature is aimed at making Alexa more kid-friendly

Drones

Amazon lands patent for delivery drones that can be waved down by customers

Nick Lavars March 27, 2018

If Amazon's delivery drones do actually enter our lives, what will they look like and how might they move around? If the latest patient issued to the company is anything to go by, perhaps they will be waved down by customers awaiting deliveries.

Amazon first revealed plans for its PrimeAir drone service back in 2013

Good Thinking

Is Amazon Go's checkout-free store the future of retail, or just an expensive gimmick?

Rich Haridy January 22, 2018

Amazon’s hi-tech, cashier-free convenience store has just opened to the public and predictably resulted in torrents of “store of the future” headlines. But is it really the future of shopping or is it just a very expensive publicity stunt?

Amazon Go is a high-tech, checkout-free shopping experience, but is it the future of retail bricks ...