ENVIRONMENT: Daimler to offer Mercedes-Benz energy-storage system

WEARABLE ELECTRONICS
Pebble Time: Early impressions
	Pebble's latest watch is launching in a wearable world that looks very different from the one its predecessors faced. Before running our full review, Gizmag has some early thoughts on the new Pebble Time.  read more
WEARABLE ELECTRONICS
Samsung Gear VR (for Galaxy S6): Four weeks later
	It's been almost a month since we first got our hands on the new Samsung Gear VR for Galaxy S6. Our review covered most of the bases, but after four weeks with the mobile virtual reality headset, we have a few more thoughts.  read more
ENVIRONMENT
Daimler to offer Mercedes-Benz energy-storage system
	Tesla recently did it, and now Daimler is doing it too – it's launching its own home/business battery energy storage system. The Mercedes-Benz energy storage unit utilizes lithium-ion battery modules to store energy generated by solar cells, wind turbines or other sources.  read more
URBAN TRANSPORT
iBeacon technology powers a new Smart Public Transport project in Bucharest
	Romanian tech firm Onyx Beacon is teaming up with the local authorities in Bucharest to install 500 iBeacon devices on local buses. It's hoped that the new Smart Public Transport (SPT) initiative will make the city more accessible for the estimated 12,000 visually impaired citizens who live there.  read more
ROBOTICS
Robots square off at the 2015 DRC Finals
	The DARPA Robotics Challenge is aimed at creating robots that may one day help responders during major disasters. The 2015 final is host to 23 international teams competing for US$3.5 million in prizes.  read more
ROBOTICS
Eagle-eyed robot can catch the common fruit fly
	Machine vision and robotic precision have combined in a new way to further fruit fly research. Scientists at Stanford's Bio-X program have developed a robot that can catch and sort the tiny creatures much faster than a human can, though to the flies themselves it must seem like an alien abduction.  read more
AROUND THE HOME
Peeple puts a Wi-Fi camera in your peephole
	There are already external door-mounted cameras that stream video of visitors to users' smartphones, plus there are cameras that fit into existing door peepholes, recording shots of visitors and displaying them on an LCD screen. Peeple, however, is kind of a combination of the two.  read more
AUTOMOTIVE
Nissan Part e-Van spins music, serves drinks and augments reality
	Nissan has revealed a one-off party van called the Part e-Van. It plugs the party in with a specially-equipped e-NV200 electric van built to make cocktails, pump bass and provide an augmented reality experience.  read more
SCIENCE
Cornell software identifies bird species from users' photos
	While there are already plenty of apps that help birdwatchers identify birds, most of them work by searching a database based on descriptions. The Merlin Bird Photo ID program, however, goes further – it utilizes computer vision tech to identify birds pictured in user-supplied photos.  read more
MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
LG G4: Early impressions
	The LG G4 is the third first-tier Android flagship of 2015, following the HTC One M9 and Samsung Galaxy S6 (and S6 edge). Before we run our full review, we have some thoughts on the leather-clad LG G4.  read more
SPACE
ESA's mission to de-clutter low-Earth orbit takes a step forward
	ESA's mission to mitigate the environmental impacts on low-Earth orbit from mankind's relentless march into space has entered a new phase, ahead of its make-or-break review before the ESA's Council of Ministers in December 2016.  read more
MUSIC
Oval digital handpan puts unlimited sonic possibilities on your lap
	Is it a UFO? Is it some kind of butt-massaging meditation stool? No, it's the Oval digital handpan. The light, portable and durable instrument has been designed to have the ergonomics and playability of a hang drum, but with access to a world of almost limitless sonic possibilities.  read more
WEARABLE ELECTRONICS
Supercar-inspired HMX watch signals MB&F's 10th anniversary
	We've seen some pretty interesting timepieces from MB&F over the years, including the airplane-aping MH4 Thunderbolt and utterly distinctive HM6 Space Pirate. The latest effort is no less stunning, offering an automotive theme and suitably unusually method of display.  read more
SPACE
Falcon 9 footage shows spectacular spacefall
	SpaceX has released stunning footage from a GoPro camera tumbling back to Earth following a recent Falcon 9 launch. The device, fitted in a section of composite fairing that separated from the launch vehicle soon after lift-off, recorded breathtaking views of our planet.  read more
COMPUTERS
9-dollar computer tops two million on Kickstarter
	CHIP is a full Linux system available for as little as just $9 that's raised $2 million – more than 40 times its crowdfunding goal from nearly 40,000 backers.  read more
SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR GIZMAG READERS
KeySmart 2.0 Compact Key Organizer
	Trying to stuff a bunch of keys into your jeans pocket is a painful experience. The KeySmart solves this issue by neatly holding your keys like a multi-tool, and it currently has 26% off.  read