The article highlights the increasing risks to GPS systems, crucial for the global economy and navigation, as demonstrated by recent GPS disruptions at Denver International Airport caused by jamming and spoofing, which pose significant security threats to vital networks.
In response to a tragic case where a young woman died from undiagnosed cancer despite multiple GP visits, the NHS has introduced Jess's Rule, urging GPs to re-evaluate patients after three unproductive appointments to prevent missed serious illnesses, especially in young and minority patients.
Fi has launched the Fi Mini, a tiny GPS tracker for pets weighing just 16 grams, featuring real-time tracking, escape alerts, activity and sleep monitoring, and AI behavior detection, compatible with cats and small dogs, with a subscription plan and upcoming Apple Watch integration.
Skechers' AirTag sneakers for kids are not reliable for real-time tracking because AirTags depend on nearby Apple devices to update their location, which can be sporadic and delayed, making them unsuitable for constant surveillance. For continuous tracking, GPS devices are necessary.
Nothing has launched the Watch 3 Pro, an affordable smartwatch with a larger 1.43-inch OLED display, improved heart rate sensor, GPS, and battery life, but it drops the customizable bezels feature. Priced at $99 (currently $79), it offers 131 sports modes, AI coaching, and up to 13 days of battery life, with enhanced GPS accuracy and a new app control center supporting major health platforms.
Garmin's new Edge MTB cycling GPS is a smaller, MTB-specific device with new features like downhill route tracking and 5Hz data recording, but it has some hardware and feature limitations compared to other Garmin models, and its long-term market success remains uncertain.
Massive solar storms have disrupted GPS systems in high-tech tractors across America, causing them to behave erratically, as charged particles from the Sun interfere with the Earth's ionosphere. This has led to significant challenges for farmers who rely on GPS for precise farming operations. The issue is exacerbated by the current peak in the Sun's 11-year cycle, with more solar activity expected, potentially affecting more farmers who now depend on GPS technology.
The Wahoo ACE Cycling GPS, priced at $599, offers a large color touchscreen, a bike bell, and a wind sensor, but falls short on features and battery life. Despite its promising design, it lacks many functionalities found in previous Wahoo models and those advertised, such as live tracking and Strava Live Segments, which are expected in future updates. The device's battery life is significantly less than the claimed 30 hours, and its size and weight may be cumbersome for some users. Overall, the ACE feels unfinished and overpriced compared to competitors.
The Garmin Forerunner 255, a last-gen running watch known for its long battery life and dual-frequency GPS, is on sale for $250 during Cyber Monday, offering a $100 discount. It features a memory-in-pixel display that lasts up to 14 days on a single charge, making it ideal for runners who prioritize battery longevity. While it lacks music storage, the 255 Music model is also discounted to $300.
Doctors at Welsh practices linked to eHarley Street are refusing to work due to unpaid wages totaling around £250,000, leading to dangerous staffing levels and potential patient safety risks. The management company denies the claims, but affected doctors report hygiene issues and supply shortages. The Aneurin Bevan health board is aware of the concerns, and eHarley Street states that financial challenges have delayed some payments but insists most have been settled. The situation highlights the strain on GP services and the impact of private management on public healthcare.
Google researchers have proposed using Android smartphones to crowdsource ionosphere data by measuring GPS signal delays, which can estimate the total electron current (TEC) of the ionosphere. This method leverages the widespread availability of dual-frequency receivers in smartphones, potentially surpassing the data collection capabilities of the existing 9,000 fixed-position stations.
Researchers from Google and CU Boulder have utilized millions of Android smartphones to create detailed maps of the ionosphere, the uppermost layer of Earth's atmosphere. By using the GPS sensors in these phones, the team was able to track atmospheric phenomena like plasma bubbles, potentially doubling the accuracy of GPS technology. This innovative approach leverages everyday technology to enhance scientific understanding and improve GPS precision worldwide.
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to recruit 8,000 more GPs if elected, aiming to ensure patients can see a doctor within seven days. The plan, costing £4bn over five years, is central to their general election campaign and includes measures to boost recruitment and retain experienced GPs. Party leader Sir Ed Davey criticized Conservative management of the NHS and emphasized the need for political transformation to address health and care issues.
Polar has unveiled the Polar Grit X2 Pro, featuring offline maps, dual-frequency GPS, an improved heart rate sensor, and an AMOLED display. The watch also introduces new software features such as Strava routes support, vertical speed, VAM, 3D speed, and historical track display. The Grit X2 Pro shares the same software and internal hardware components as the Polar Vantage V3, differing only in external case design. The base model is priced at $749, with a Titan edition at $869, raising questions about its competitiveness in the market.
False GPS signals, likely of military origin, are causing disruptions for airline pilots near conflict zones, leading to false ground collision alerts and altered flight trajectories. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has warned of intensified disruptions since the start of the war in Ukraine and is partnering with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to counter spoofing and jamming, emphasizing the need for coordinated data collection and safety measures to address the rising safety risk posed by attacks on GPS systems.