IPP
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Chrome OS is ready to use printers without the cloud
Despite decades of attempts to straighten out the connections between printers and computers, it's a situation that always (at least for me) seems to have an extra complication. On Chrome OS, ever since launch it has by default relied on Google Cloud Print and compatible printers to get the job done, but now that version 59 has reached the Stable release channel, it's a little easier to use. That's because it has a new ability for "Native Printing," which basically means that it can connect directly to compatible printers on your network, without the need for any cloud connection at all. Some manufacturers and third parties have been getting around the cloud print requirement with extensions like this one, but now support is built in and available to everyone.
Fujin is a vacuum cleaner for your DSLR
There you are, happily reviewing photos from your recent getaway to Maui, when you notice your pics have been adorned with a smattering of little black dots; your DSLR's got some grit on its sensor. Rather than whipping out the compressed air and Q-tip, however, you could dredge you camera's internals using an interesting little gizmo from the Japanese company IPP. It's called the Fujin, which literally means "blowing sand," and it works just like a vacuum cleaner. Screw this bad boy on your Canon shooter in place of the lens and it'll suck the dirt and dust right up -- according to the manufacturer, at least. Don't give up on your sensor cleaning solution just yet though, this $34 accessory isn't available in the US.
X Prize Innovation Partnership Program gets official, lets companies bankroll breakthroughs
X Prize is known for doling out big bucks for tech leaps like Spaceship One and now the foundation is teaming with Singularity University and Deloitte Consulting to try to bring more cash-bearing companies on board. To that end, they created the Innovation Partnership Program (IPP) to get industry together with inventors, scientists and other developers twice a year with the goal of funding new competitions. The first meeting took place last week and included heavyweights like Google, Sprint Nextel and Qualcomm, who tossed around ideas like crowdsourcing, sensor tech and 3D printing. In exchange for their largess -- a seat at the table starts at $250,000 -- businesses get in on the ground floor to breakthrough tech and the fortunes it can bring. IPP cautioned that the four day event "is not a volleyball picnic or a plush retreat," so if you had visions of shirtless CEOs, Top Gun-style, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
