Google offers free access to satellite images

NEW YORK: Tracking melting glaciers, deforestation or disappearing elephants has been made easier as Google has now allowed access to real time, updated satellite images through its Skybox programme.

"The fresh satellite imagery will be contributed to projects that save lives, protect the environment, promote education, and positively impact humanity," Google said in a blog post.

From camps for displaced people in Sudan to beaches cleared of landmines in Sri Lanka, the released images are also available to the public for free.

As long as they attribute Google and do not profit from the images, anyone is free to view and use the images available.

NGOs can also request for new and updated images that they would like on the programme page.

Skybox, a satellite company, was acquired for $500 million by Google in August this year.

Future is wearable technology

Many of these technologies don't look anything like today's gadgets. Instead, they are stretchable, bendable and incredibly thin. They can also be given unique designs, to stand out like a bold tattoo, or to blend in to the color of your skin.

The calculator watch, introduced in the 1980s, was one original piece of widespread worn electronics.

Wearable technology has applications in monitoring and realtime feedback for athletes as well.The decreasing cost of processing power and other components is encouraging widespread adoption and availability.

Transitioning to night life and entertainment industries electroluminescent shirts have appeared in concerts such as Electric Daisy Carnival and Lollapalooza. Michael Graziano Clothing has worked with such artists as Deadmau5, Coldplay and Andy Moor they are appearing in the tourism industry.

According to ABI Research due to the relative ease of compatibility with smartphones and other electronic devices, the wearable technologies market will spike to 485 million annual device shipments by 2018.

According to Forbes, 71% of 16-to-24 year olds want wearable tech.