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NASA's Orion crew capsule is ready for its uncrewed trip to the Moon
You knew the US wouldn't mark the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 without news about the country's next trip to the Moon. Both Lockheed Martin and NASA have confirmed completion of the Orion crew capsule that will play a key role in Artemis 1, the uncrewed mission that will fly past the Moon while verifying Orion, the Space Launch System and the associated support systems. Efforts are now focused on integrating the capsule with the service module and testing it ahead of launch processing in early 2020.
NASA's plan to return to the Moon with Project Artemis
On July 21, 1969, the first humans set foot on the Moon. With Neil Armstrong's simple words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," the world changed irrevocably. For a few hours, we existed on multiple worlds. That was fifty years ago. Now, in the shadow of Apollo, we are once again looking to venture back out into the stars, past the low Earth orbit where we've been learning about space over the past few decades. We know better how to live and work in orbit thanks to the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Now NASA says it's time to return to the lunar surface. But this time, it wants to stay there. NASA's Project Artemis (aptly named as the goddess of hunting is Apollo's twin sister) aims to take humans back to the Moon by 2024. But there are many lingering questions about the destination, the goals, the motivations, the project itself, NASA's current readiness level and whether it has the support in Congress to move forward.
NASA is working on 12 projects ahead of 2024 moon mission
NASA has been putting the Artemis program together over the past months in hopes of returning to the moon by 2024. After picking the first three commercial moon landing service providers, NASA has now chosen the 12 science and technology projects they're bringing to Earth's faithful companion. All 12 will help us study the moon in preparation for our return in a few years' time -- a rover called MoonRanger, for instance, will create 3D maps of the lunar surface. Astrobotic has signed a $5.6 million NASA contract to build the lightweight autonomous rover, which will also demonstrate a long-range communication system for lunar exploration.
NASA picks first commercial landing partners for return to the Moon
NASA has edged one step closer to fulfilling its dreams of returning to the Moon. The agency has chosen its first three commercial Moon landing service providers, each of which will carry NASA-supplied science and technology missions as part of the Artemis Moon program. The first, OrbitBeyond, will deliver up to four payloads to the Moon's Mare Imbrium by September 2020 thanks in part to a $97 million contract. Astrobotic is receiving $79.5 million to send as many as 14 payloads to the Lacus Mortis crater by July 2021, while Intuitive Machines will get $77 million in return for flying up to five payloads to the Oceanus Procellarum "dark spot" in a similar time frame.
NASA teams up with SpaceX, Blue Origin to design a human lunar lander
NASA has revealed its efforts to create a human landing system shortly after it announced the Artemis lunar exploration program. The space agency has teamed up with 11 private space companies, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, to conduct studies and build prototypes of a lander that can carry astronauts to the surface of the moon. NASA is awarding the companies a total of $45.5 million to work on the project over the next six months under the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships program.
This smart mirror uses AR to let you 'try on' different hair styles
We've seen a slew of smart mirrors get introduced over the past few years, including one from Panasonic that's designed to analyze your skin. But for CareOS, a company based out of Europe, it wants to make an entire connected platform for the home and beauty salons out of its Artemis smart mirror. The mirror uses augmented reality to do things like "try on" a variety of different hair colors on your, which would come in handy before you decide to get a makeover. It can also integrate with brands to let you buy facial creme, as well as show you video tutorials on how to apply the makeup you're buying.
OnLive creator's next project could put an end to cellular reception woes
Remember Steve Perlman? The serial entrepreneur has moved on from OnLive's messy transition and launched an enterprise called Artemis, with the lofty goal of fixing the cellular congestion plaguing modern carriers. Called pCell, it works by forcing frequencies that normally interfere and bog down a network to gang up for better reception, instead. Congestion could be thus relieved by adding more antennas, a strategy that doesn't work with current networks due to crosstalk. A demonstration to the New York Times showed Netflix HD and 4K videos streaming to at least a half dozen devices in the same room over a local LTE network, a feat the company said would be impossible on current networks. There's no word from any US carriers about any plans to adopt the tech, but Verizon did say that it was aware of it. In the meantime, Artemis said large scale tests will start in San Francisco later this year, with a commercial launch by the end of 2014. Check the video after the break for more.
E3 2012: Razer reveals concept controller for MechWarrior Online
Atmosphere is important in a game. Sure, when you get behind the cockpit of a 'Mech in MechWarrior Online, you can control everything just fine with a mouse and a keyboard, but that doesn't feel quite right. No, you should have something that feels appropriately like a set of controls for an enormous walking battle tank. Something like the Razer Artemis, in other words. The peripheral manufacturer has just unveiled its concept controller specifically targeting the upcoming game, and like most Razer concepts, it certainly looks right on the money. The demo unit on the show floor is unfortunately non-functional, as it's meant as a proof-of-concept rather than a retail product. Currently the team is looking at the best ways to implement the functionality needed, with the final product in flux as feedback is taken into consideration. If it sparks your imagination, however, you can certainly take a look at the trailer for the upcoming controller just after the break. [Thanks to Space Cobra for the tip!]
Razer unveils Artemis prototype controller for MechWarrior Online, we go eyes-on
Over that past couple years, we've found that Razer's usually good for a surprise or two at any trade show it attends, and today at E3 we got to lay eyes on the latest product to emerge from the company's skunkworks. Called Artemis, that lovely bit of kit you see above is a prototype Razer's cooked up for MechWarrior Online aficionados. It features modular construction with one section housing 12 mechanical keys and sliding throttle input, a central unit housing an 8-inch LCD display (to serve as a secondary screen during gameplay) and an adjustable force-feedback flight stick module.%Gallery-157237% Naturally, what we saw on the show floor wasn't functional, but Razer told us that all of the controls are integrated and will be fully customizable -- so key/button combos can be used -- when it hits the market. Razer informed us that, while they do plan to sell Artemis in some form, for now they are simply soliciting feedback on this initial design so that it can be tailored to player preferences before being sold. The prototype took around five months to construct, so with the iterations that are likely to ensue after E3, it's safe to say that Artemis won't go on sale anytime soon. But, the game it's built for isn't even out of closed beta yet, so it makes sense for Razer to take its time and get it right. While you wait for version 2.0, check out our gallery of pics above and the press shots and promo video after the break.
Lost Pages of Taborea: What's in a server?
Welcome back to another week of Lost Pages of Taborea. I'm switching gears and answering some reader mail. I'll answer the question to the best of my abilities, and then I want to expand the topic to cover server density and personality. Roger Ringo has returned to Reni from a hiatus which prompted the following question. Roger Ringo asks: I was wondering if you could give me a rundown on the population and community of the servers you have played on. I would really appreciate it. This is a great question about server populations. How populated are the Runes of Magic servers? For that matter, how do we go about finding the number of people on any MMO's server? It never seems to be a cut-and-dried answer with one almighty server-status site to feed us the numbers. A lot of our own perceptions can sway answers to these questions too. What days and times a person logs in, his playstyle, and what he pays more attention to in-game can all affect an opinion of whether a server is a ghost town or a small but happy community. Do my conclusions match with yours? Find out after the break!
HTC looses Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for P3300
We've (slowly, but surely) seen a myriad HTC phones receive Windows Mobile 6 upgrades, and now it's finally Artemis' (P3300) turn. Judging by a snapshot taken from the HTC eClub, the download is indeed ready and waiting for P3300 users, which can't be acquired until you register for free at the site. We'll spare you the details of how WinMo 6 will simply revolutionize your life and fulfill your dreams, so just head on over and get your update, cool?
Official TyTn WM6 update loosed by HTC, others on the way
We're not sure why HTC waited longer than virtually all of its carrier partners to unleash a Windows Mobile 6 upgrade for its own-branded Hermes, the TyTn, but no bother -- the point is it's now available, so there's really no good excuse for anyone with Hermes hardware to still be rocking old-skool WM5 at this point. Meanwhile, users of the P3300 (Artemis), S620 (Excalibur), and Advantage should all get their hookups this month if everything goes according to plan. Wasn't it, like, an eternity ago now that T-Mobile rocked WM6 on the Dash? Better late than never, we suppose.[Via the::unwired]
HTC patches P3300's microSD issues
Apparently, HTC's P3300 Artemis microSD-handling capabilities fall well short of its ability to look good (yeah, it's hot -- this one definitely left a lasting impression on us when we saw it at last year's Fall CTIA). Users have been reporting a variety of issues with the P3300's slot, ranging from an inability to correctly read directory structures on expansion cards all the way to data corruption. Help's on the way, though, in the form of a freshly-released update straight from HTC itself that should clear those pesky microSD woes right up. If you're into trackballs, navigation, and a Palm V-esque form factor, you probably own one of these things, so go patch 'er up, will ya?[Via the::unwired]
HTC Love: like the Artemis, but not?
We're trying to flesh out exactly what it is HTC's "Love" brings to the table, and we have to admit, we're a little confused. We've heard that it's the same thing as the Artemis, but that can't really be true because it has an extra 128MB of internal storage (for a grand total of 256MB), some new media management software, and a funky new hump near the top of the device. We've also heard it's a mild upgrade to the Artemis, but if that were the case, we'd expect to see mention of GPS on board -- and we're not. Specs we do see mentioned, however, include 802.11b/g, integrated FM radio, 2 megapixel cam, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, microSD expansion, and a quadband GSM radio topping out with EDGE data. Looks like the Love is already filtering into Dopod's ranks as the M700, but we might hold off on pulling out the wallet until we get the GPS question cleared up.[Via Slashphone and Pocket PC Thoughts, thanks kerunt]
Dopod announces trio of HTC-based handhelds
Dopod's cozy relationship with HTC (which we're thinking just might have to do with HTC's ownership of the firm) continues with the announcement of three new models: the M700, D810, and C800, based on the HTC Artemis, Trinity, and Herald, respectively. All three designs are fairly bleeding-edge, with the Herald yet to see an official release. Meanwhile, the M700 variant of the Artemis ups the reference design's ante by packing in a full 256MB of internal storage, a move that HTC says makes this a multimedia version of the product, and so far it's a Dopod exclusive -- is HTC giving preferential treatment to its in-house brand? Say it ain't so! Look for all three to drop in Dopod-friendly regions of the world (read: Asia) over the coming months.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]Read - the::unwiredRead - MSMobileNews
O2 gets HTC Artemis as "Xda Orbit"
We're not really feeling the carrier-specific exterior (apparently known by HTC as the "Cruiser") as much as the sculpted lines of its generic sibling, but at least O2 Germany customers can take solace in the knowledge that they'll be getting some form of the nav-enabled device. The "Xda Orbit" brings all of that GPS, trackball, and WiFi goodness in a slightly more conservative package -- it's by no means ugly, just not as nifty as the original Artemis we're used to seeing strut its stuff. Look for the Xda Orbit to drop complete with a 512MB microSD card loaded with maps of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland for €249.99 (about $315) on contract in the next few weeks.[Via the::unwired]
HTC's nav-friendly Artemis reviewed
French site Ultimate Pocket had a crack at the HTC Artemis this week, coming away with a solidly positive impression of the GPS-enabled unit. They were really digging the trackball (as were we), the comprehensive software package, and the FM radio support which allows direct-to-MP3 recording. The review doesn't really go into the device's GPS, and for folks planning on using the Artemis as their navigation system, it's an important point to touch on. What the author does mention is a rumor of a GPS-less version of the Artemis eventually dropping; given its exceptionally sexy chassis, we're all for it, but we don't have availability information (or even so much as an HTC code name) to back that one up right now -- we'll keep our eyes peeled.
Hands-on with the HTC Artemis
Ok, you know us, we're mad suckers for QWERTY equipped HTC devices. It's just kind of a fact, we love 'em. So we were stoked and all about the HTC Artemis that was due out, but it wasn't anything keeping us up at night. But then we got our hands on one last night, and it was way thinner and sleeker than we'd imagined, especially for a GPS-equipped handheld. That scroll wheel felt just like a Sansa e-series (except even more solid), and dabbed in the middle was a scroll ball a la the SideKick 3 and Pearl. It was a little overwhelming, but we can understand their need to overcompensate for input options when not equipping it with a keyboard. Oh, and do click on for some more shots.
HTC gets official on their Q4 lineup
All four of these phones have had their fair share of leaks, but now HTC is ready to fess up and assign some names to their Q4 lineup of phones, which is all set to bust up on Europe this fall. Starting from the left we've got the S3300, codenamed Artemis, which is due for an October launch, and features TomTom software to power the GPS action, along with a 2.8-inch screen and a snazzy new "RollRTM" trackball / track wheel. The P3600 (aka Trinity) picks up where the Prophet and Magician left off with a bit of bulk, some cute looks, but sadly no QWERTY action. The phone does, however, manage HSDPA speeds and a 2 megapixel camera, so it won't be all tears when this thing drops in September. Next we have the Q-killin' "Excalibur" S620, which measures a mere 0.5-inches thick, weighs 4.6 ounces, and manages that lovable QWERTY keyboard and 2.4-inch screen. The phone, due for an October launch, will also come with quad band GPRS/EDGE (3G is conspicuously absent), WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Finally, HTC's S310 "Oxygen" candybar isn't anything too terribly interesting, but it's a nice new look for HTC candybar fans who found the HTC Breeze to be a bit too squarish. The S310 should be out this September. Possibly the best news among all this action is that it seems HTC has decided to abandon the frightening naming convention they adopted for the "TyTN" and "MTeoR." That was a slippery slope if we ever saw one. The worst news is, of course, HTC is only self-branding these phones in Europe right now, and will be letting US carriers adulterate these phones with garish branding and spec drops before we ever get a chance at 'em. Oh well, such is life. Keep reading for entirely-too-large pr0n of all four phones at their shiniest.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
HTC Artemis becomes "MDA compact III" for T-Mobile Germany
The Artemis, HTC's first Pocket PC Phone Edition device with a GPS receiver on board, is one of those HTC code words we feel as though we've heard floating around for ages -- but only recently were we able to get an alleged snap of the oft-rumored device in the flesh. It appears we now have some solid confirmation that the blurry shot was in fact an Artemis, seeing how T-Mobile Germany's gone ahead and announced it as their "MDA compact III." Our German could use some brushing up, but the spec sheet seems to tell us that the rather stylish piece will be rocking a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth (naturally), and that in-built GPS module for the directionally challenged among us. Sifting through the device's control panel reveals that it packs a 200MHz OMAP850 with 64MB of RAM and 128MB of ROM, fairly standard fare for modern Pocket PCs. No word on a release date, but as usual, we'd caution our friends on T-Mobile in the US against getting their hopes up.[Via the::unwired]
