New Atlas

Bicycles Audio available

Bike-tracking Limpet is set to startle thieves

Ben Coxworth October 24, 2018

Locks are all very well and good, but it always helps to have an extra layer of security that discourages bike thieves just a little bit more. British cyclists James Sheppard and Matthew Leach have developed just such a layer, in the form of the strobing, screaming Limpet.

The Limpet has a water- and dust-resistant polypropylene body

Bicycles

Bike lock disables steering during Quick Stops

Ben Coxworth October 22, 2018

Locking your bike up to an immovable object is obviously the best way of keeping it from being stolen while parked, but what if you're just making a quick stop? Well, you should still lock it to something, although inventor Mark Waldin thinks his Quick Stop Bike Lock may suffice when needed.

The Quick Stop Bike Lock is now on Kickstarter

Computers

Apple slams Australia's anti-encryption bill, calling it "dangerously ambiguous"

Rich Haridy October 14, 2018

In an expansive submission to the Australian Parliament, Apple has strongly condemned the government’s prospective anti-encryption legislation, arguing “this is no time to weaken encryption,” and calling the draft outline “extraordinarily broad” and “dangerously ambitious.”

Australia's prospective anti-encryption legislation may be passed over the next few months

Bicycles

Option Lock is accessible from either side

Ben Coxworth August 17, 2018

If you routinely park your bike in cramped areas such as a multi-bike racks, then there may be times when you find your lock rather difficult to access upon leaving. It was with this in mind that LA-based cyclist Scott Gold created the "two-faced" Option Lock.

The Option Lock incorporates two locking mechanisms

Telecommunications Audio available

Can Wi-Fi signals reveal hidden explosives?

Michael Irving August 16, 2018

It’s an unfortunate truth that weapons and explosives in public places are an increasing problem. But many screening technologies are bulky and expensive, and require staff to operate. Now a new study has found a way to tap into a type of signal that’s already ubiquitous in public places – Wi-Fi.

Researchers have developed a way to use regular Wi-Fi signals to screen bags for dangerous objects ...

Mobile Technology

Google launches its own security keys to limit your chances of getting hacked

David Nield July 25, 2018

Two-factor authentication (2FA) has long been an effective protection against account hacking – meaning would-be intruders need something else besides a username and password, usually a code from a phone, to gain access – and today Google is taking 2FA one step further with its own security keys.

Google's Titan Security Key will come in USB and Bluetooth forms

Bicycles

The Nexibi – it's both a bike lock and a rear rack

Ben Coxworth June 13, 2018

Bicycle locks can be a hassle to cart around, which is why we've seen ones that double as part OF the bike, such as its handlebars, seatpost, pedal and saddle. One of the latest, the Nexibi, is a folding lock that also serves as a rear rack.

When being used as a rack, the Nexibi gets attached to a steel bracket that remains ...

Good Thinking

System locks down schools in response to gunshots

Ben Coxworth May 31, 2018

It's a sad fact that school shootings are becoming a semi-regular occurrence in the US. While there are varying opinions on what to do about the problem, Intrusion Technologies' Active Intruder Mitigation System (AIMS) is designed to minimize casualties when a shooter does enter a school.

AIMS is intended to thwart shooters entering schools

Bicycles

VanMoof enhances theft protection for Electrified bikes

Paul Ridden May 30, 2018

It's been a couple of since Dutch high-end bicycle maker VanMoof launched its Electrified S e-bike, and 12 months since the visually arresting Electrified X made its debut in Tokyo. Though both had anti-theft technology built in, the company has now made the latest models even harder to steal.

VanMoof has introduced new anti-theft security measures in the upcoming Electrified S2 and X2 e-bikes

Around The Home

Reolink Go wireless security camera breaks away from home routers

Paul Ridden April 25, 2018

Earlier this month, Anker's eufy EverCam launched on Kickstarter, offering a 365 day battery life. But you'd still need a Wi-Fi connection for it to keep watch over your home. The Reolink Go goes a step or two further, offering 4G mobile connectivity and optional solar battery topups.

The Reolink Go home security camera uses a 4G LTE mobile network rather than a home ...