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UK trials updated 1950s naval tech, avoids GPS jamming risk
It's always nice to see an old tech stage a comeback and this time it's happening around the coasts of Europe, with nine low-frequency radio transmitters substituting for GPS' satellite-based system. eLoran's radiowave-based system is stronger than satellite signals and less jammable, based on the Loran system that was previously used for shipping navigation by both the British and US navy over 50 years ago. But despite its age, the tech has proven remarkable hardy against unwanted interference. In trials conducted by the General Lighthouse Authorities of UK and Ireland, a 1.5W radio jammer was able to knock out GPS signals over a range of 30 kilometers. However, to do the same to the Loran system, you'd need a 40ft tower -- and around 25kW of juice to power it. The basics behind Loran and GPS are largely the same, with devices measuring the time it takes for a signal to travel between a transmitter and your receiver. Loran requires three singles, with locations then calculated through "trilateration". More signal input subsequently equals a more secure position read-out, with the elderly base system offering initial location accuracy to around 100 meters. However, the updated eLoran signal (currently only being broadcast on the east coast of the UK, around Dover) will narrow that down to the nearest 10 meters. The GPS back-up will be gradually rolled out across the entire British coastline.
New Hampshire man is victim of first recorded iPad theft
Someone has to be first, I suppose. Straight from the police iBlotter in Manchester, NH, the Union Leader reports that a broad-daylight iPad theft was perpetrated in the parking lot of a Best Buy on South Willow Street. Mohamed Aboutaleb of Dover had just bought his new iPad in the store (capacity and accessories not known) when he was the victim of a shove-and-grab theft. The teenage thief then fled with Aboutaleb's magical and revolutionary shopping bag via a getaway car driven by another teenager. While progress is being made on the iPad jailbreak (via Dev Team member MuscleNerd), these real-world lawbreakers are still unidentified and on the loose. Anyone with information about the iMugging is encouraged to contact the Manchester police department. As a public safety reminder, whenever you are carrying easily-identifiable high value packages around (such as an Apple Store or other electronics chain shopping bag), be aware of your surroundings as you return your purchases to your car or if you are using public transport. Putting your new gadgets in the trunk and proceeding to do other shopping isn't advisable either. To answer the question posed in comments: yes, you can activate MobileMe's location tools with your iPad to track it down, but that's not really an option if it's grabbed in the parking lot before you sync it up. Thanks Marc! Photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/banspy/ / CC BY 2.0
Verizon's FiOS TV headed to Dover, Delaware
Residents of Delaware's capital city can bust out the balloons and party hats, as it looks as if Verizon's FiOS TV is nearly ready to launch in your neck of the woods. Just yesterday, the City Council voted unanimously to authorize Verizon to offer its fiber-based television service in Dover. Thanks to the vote, it now joins Arden, Ardencroft, Ardentown, Bellefonte, Cheswold, Delaware City, Leipsic, Little Creek, Middletown, Newark, Odessa and Townsend as locales in The First State that have approved Verizon's franchise agreement. There's no telling when the next step (you know, actually offering service) will be taken, but rest assured, you're much, much closer today than you were just last week.
