Battery life always limits a drone\u2019s ability to perform tasks and get anywhere. So why not let it slurp from nearby power lines<\/a>? (Well, there are reasons.)<\/p>\n Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark attached a gripper system to a Tarot 650 Sport drone, which they customized with an electric quadcopter propulsion system and an autopilot module. An inductive charger pulls current from the power line, enabling it to recharge five times over two hours during tests. The benefit here is that power lines already exist (duh), but there is the real concern that a drone could damage a line and knock out electricity for thousands.<\/p>\n \u2014 Mat Smith<\/p>\n DJI\u2019s RS4 gimbals make it easier to balance heavy cameras and accessories<\/a><\/p>\n Apple Vision Pro, two months later<\/a><\/p>\n Kobo\u2019s new ereaders include its first with color displays<\/a><\/p>\n \u200b\u200bYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. <\/em>Subscribe right here!<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n WordPress and Tumblr owner Automattic has bought Beeper, the maker of the Beeper Mini app, which challenged Apple with iMessage tricks on Android phones, late last year. Although it ultimately lost its only USP when Apple blocked the exploit \u2014 mere days later \u2014 the incident gave the DOJ more ammunition in its antitrust suit against Apple. Bloomberg<\/em> reported on Tuesday that Automattic paid $125 million. It\u2019s a lot of money, especially when Automattic already owns a messaging app, Texts. No, I hadn\u2019t heard of it either.<\/p>\nThe biggest stories you might have missed<\/h3>\n
It challenged Apple and lost almost immediately.<\/h3>\n