Even the oldest of mechanisms remain useful in modern technology. [Skyentific] has been messing with robotic joints for quite a while, and demonstrated an interesting way to use a pulley system in a robotic joint with quite a bit of mechanical advantage and zero backlash. Inspired by the LIMS2-AMBIDEX robotic arm, the mechanism is effectively…

We celebrate the Apple Watch’s fifth anniversary with stories that examine the smartwatch’s evolution. …read more Source:: CNet

Some retailers are still selling the iPhone 8 despite Apple discontinuing the device. But you should just get the new iPhone SE instead. …read more Source:: CNet

Bill Gates has donated over $4 million to Code.org, while Mark Cuban has donated over $500,000. But long-time Slashdot reader theodp writes that they’re now doing even more: As it strives to “teach your children at home while school is closed”, tech-backed Code.org’s efforts to engage students and their parents have included encouraging kids to…

Rice is nice… especially when it’s infused with all this extra flavor. …read more Source:: CNet

Plus Office 2016, 2019 patches – and a barn-load of other security bits and bytes Roundup It’s time to dig in to another Register security roundup.… …read more Source:: Register

The launch of an extremely well-reviewed and inexpensive phone may accelerate a change in the way people buy gadgets. It could make average buyers think differently about phone stores, too. …read more Source:: ZDNet

On the fifth anniversary of Apple’s first smartwatch, we take a trip down memory lane at the device’s early days. …read more Source:: CNet

With a little help from Peter Thiel’s controversial company Palintir, America’s Department of Health and Human Services is building a powerful new tool to track the spread of the coronavirus. The Verge reports: The tool, which is reportedly called HHS Protect Now, is already up and running as of April 10th and it helps officials…

[Dirk] shared a fascinating project of his that consists of several different parts coming together in a satisfying whole. It’s all about wanting to do target practice, indoors, using a simple red laser dot instead of any sort of projectile. While it’s possible to practice by flashing a red laser pointer and watching where it…