Earth's Speed through Space

 Earth's Speed through Space

Full-Screen Mode for Android Auto

 Android Auto updated to include a full-screen mode    

Google has been fairly busy improving Android Auto lately, and one of the latest ideas is a full-screen mode. Android Auto has been updated to include a full-screen mode, allowing users to utilize the entire screen estate for a more refined experience, especially when running apps or games. If you've been using Android Auto and CarPlay, you probably know that both phone mirroring systems display apps in a windowed mode, with the app launcher remaining on the screen for easy access to essential apps and features. With the update, Android Auto apps and games can now run in full-screen mode, maximizing screen real estate. This approach makes sense, considering Android Auto and CarPlay are designed to be used behind the wheel, so usability should be optimized for reduced distraction.

This means you no longer see the app launcher or anything else than the game itself, with Google trying to use the entire screen estate for a more refined experience. When you run an app or game in full-screen mode, you can return to the Android Auto app launcher by swiping down from the top of the screen. Android Auto displays two options: a back arrow and an exit button, and tapping the latter returns you to the home screen. When in full-screen mode, Android Auto displays two options: a back arrow and an exit button. Tapping the exit button returns you to the home screen. However, Android Auto is evolving at a fast pace, and an announcement released last year at Google's I/O developer event indicated that a full-screen mode would eventually be required. The company announced that games, video apps and browsers were coming in beta to Android Auto. After approximately one year, the first titles are now going live for users enrolled in Google's testing program. This approach makes sense, considering the new app categories coming to Android Auto.

To return to the Android Auto app launcher from full-screen mode, swipe down from the top of the screen. Games need as much screen estate as possible, and watching a video on YouTube or Netflix wouldn't make sense if you can't run it on the entire screen. Not being able to do so would significantly impact your viewing experience, especially on small screens. However, everybody will benefit from this new full-screen mode once it becomes generally available, and you can imagine a movie would look better on a large screen. The other reason for releasing a full-screen update is that an app launcher wouldn't even make sense when you're watching a video or playing a game. These apps are only available when the vehicle is stationary, so you can afford to make extra gestures, such as the swipe down to reveal additional controls, to interact with Android Auto. 

The first Android games are now available on Android Auto as part of version 14.1 beta, and one of the subtle improvements is the ability to run them in full-screen mode. The full-screen mode won't be available when the car is in motion, so you won't be able to run Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music or any other app on the entire screen. These apps make more sense in a windowed state or on the Coolwalk screen, though we'll get more information about Google's approach when the full-screen mode lands on production devices. To enable full screen, you need to follow these steps:- 

In your car's infotainment system, navigate to device connections and find the Android Auto settings. 

Uncheck the option to disable the split screen functionality. 

Reconnect your device to Android Auto, either wired or wireless. 

Your device may automatically recalibrate the screen as per the updated settings. 

Muhammad (Peace be upon him) Names

 

ALLAH Names

 

Astronauts’ roundtrip to Mars possible

 Possible effects of a roundtrip to Mars on astronauts health    

Space journeys that stretch far beyond home are on the horizon. Crews heading for Mars will face conditions quite different from those on Earth, and researchers have been working to figure out what might happen to the human body during these extended voyages. Kidneys have been a big question mark. Recent work reveals that these important organs could face more trouble than previously assumed, including a higher risk of stones and lasting damage. The structure and function of the kidneys is altered by space flight, with galactic radiation causing permanent damage which would jeopardise any mission to Mars, according to a new study. The study, published in Nature Communications, is the largest analysis of kidney health in space flight to date and includes the first health dataset for commercial astronauts. Several studies have hinted at health concerns for astronauts ever since humans first ventured outside Earth’s protective zone, but the new findings shed light on why such problems arise in the kidneys.

Researchers have known that space flight causes certain health issues since the 1970s, in the years after humans first travelled beyond Earth’s magnetic field, most famously during the first moon landing in 1969. These issues include loss of bone mass, weakening of the heart and eyesight and development of kidney stones. Dr. Keith Siew from the London Tubular Centre, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine, and his colleagues have pieced together a detailed picture of what happens when living beings, human and otherwise, experience space-like conditions for weeks to years. The latest study was conducted under a UCL-led initiative involving over 40 institutions on five continents. The team considered data from 20 different research cohorts and samples linked to over 40 Low Earth orbit missions to the International Space Station, plus 11 simulations with mice and rats. The work is described as the largest analysis of kidney health in spaceflight so far and includes the first health dataset for commercial astronauts. It also involved seven simulations in which mice were exposed to radiation which mimicked up to 2.5 years of cosmic travel beyond Earth’s magnetic field.

It is thought that many of these issues stem from exposure to space radiation, such as solar winds from the Sun and Galactic Cosmic Radiation (GCR) from deep space, that the Earth’s magnetic field protects us from on Earth. As most manned space flights take place in Low Earth orbit (LEO) and receive partial protection from Earth’s magnetic field, few people who have travelled to the moon have been exposed to unmitigated GCR and only for a short time. Nobody has studied what changes might be happening in the kidneys and other organs as a result of conditions which would be experienced during space travel beyond Earth’s magnetic field over longer periods. Current study findings revealed that the structure and function of the kidneys are altered by spaceflight, with galactic radiation causing permanent damage which would jeopardize any long-distance mission.

St Peters Trust and Kidney Research UK (KRUK) funded study, a UCL-led team of researchers from over 40 institutions across five continents conducted a range of experiments and analyses to investigate how the kidneys respond to space flight. Astronauts in Low Earth orbit still benefit from partial shielding by our planet’s magnetic field. Only 24 people, the ones who went to the moon, have been exposed to the full brunt of Galactic Cosmic Radiation for short trips of about 6-12 days. Nobody has ventured on a years-long mission beyond the Earth’s magnetic boundary, so it was unclear how organs might hold up under more extreme conditions. As part of the new study, researchers found that certain kidney tubules, which control delicate balances of salts and calcium, shrink after just a month in microgravity. The kidneys also process salts in a way that increases the likelihood of kidney stone formation. This new insight shifts the focus away from an older assumption that stones in space result mainly from bone loss causing elevated calcium in urine.

The results indicated that both human and animal kidneys are ‘remodelled’ by the conditions in space, with specific kidney tubules responsible for fine tuning calcium and salt balance showing signs of shrinkage after less than a month in space. Researchers say the likely cause of this is microgravity rather than GCR, though further research is required to determine if the interaction of microgravity and GCR can accelerate or worsen these structural changes. The research highlighted that cosmic radiation cannot be fully blocked by typical shielding. When mice were given doses of simulated Galactic Cosmic Radiation equal to a mission length of up to 2.5 years, the animals showed irreversible kidney damage. Some of the key observations point to changes in how the kidneys manage vital minerals, which impacts long-term health during space travel. The primary reason that kidney stones develop during space missions had previously been assumed to be solely due to microgravity-induced bone loss that leads to a build-up of calcium in the urine. Rather, the UCL team’s findings indicated that the way the kidneys process salts is fundamentally altered by space flight and likely a primary contributor to kidney stone formation. If scientists don’t develop new ways to protect the kidneys, any astronaut that makes it to Mars will likely need dialysis on the way home or upon arrival. “We know that the kidneys are late to show signs of radiation damage; by the time this becomes apparent it’s probably too late to prevent failure, which would be catastrophic for the mission’s chances of success,” Dr. Siew concluded.

Perhaps the most alarming finding, at least for any astronaut considering a three-year round trip to Mars, is that the kidneys of mice exposed to radiation simulating GCR for 2.5 years experienced permanent damage and loss of function. Space agencies have been aware since the 1970s that journeys outside our planet’s natural defences lead to health concerns involving bones, eyes and the cardiovascular system. This new work puts fresh focus on the kidneys. It also highlights the importance of managing both microgravity and radiation, especially with more ambitious missions on the table. “Our study highlights the fact that if you’re planning a space mission, kidneys really matter. You can’t protect them from galactic radiation using shielding,” noted Professor Stephen B. Walsh from the London Tubular Centre, UCL Department of Renal Medicine. “But as we learn more about renal biology it may be possible to develop technological or pharmaceutical measures to facilitate extended space travel.” Dr Keith Siew, first author of the study from the London Tubular Centre, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine, said: “We know what has happened to astronauts on the relatively short space missions conducted so far, in terms of an increase in health issues such as kidney stones. What we don’t know is why these issues occur, nor what is going to happen to astronauts on longer flights such as the proposed mission to Mars.” Any drugs developed for astronauts may also be beneficial here on Earth. For instance, by enabling cancer patients’ kidneys to tolerate higher doses of radiotherapy, which is currently an impediment to that form of treatment. 

The authors say that though the results identify serious obstacles to a Mars mission, it is necessary to identify problems before solutions can be developed. Professor Stephen B. Walsh, senior author of the study from the London Tubular Centre, UCL Department of Renal Medicine, said: “Our study highlights the fact that if you’re planning a space mission, kidneys really matter. You can’t protect them from galactic radiation using shielding, but as we learn more about renal biology it may be possible to develop technological or pharmaceutical measures to facilitate extended space travel. Researchers say that pinpointing these risks is a vital first step before reliable solutions can be introduced. The study’s international collaboration suggests momentum is building to safeguard astronauts’ kidneys, and future innovations could reach beyond space missions to help patients on Earth. Experts note that learning how to handle the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation will be key to making ambitious missions safer. With evidence pointing to serious kidney challenges, careful planning will be needed to keep crews healthy on journeys that last far longer than any undertaken before. Though the study only describes what happens to the kidneys up to two and a half years, it is the most comprehensive data available for the time being.

Jetson ONE

  Jetson ONE Personal Air Vehicle 

        

The Jetson One is an electric-powered VTOL sky toy that can hover, bank, and reach speeds of up to 63 mph. The company's latest video will leave you wanting it more than ever. The Jetson One is a like a compact personal helicopter. Your personal aircraft in aluminium and carbon fibre, powered with eight powerful electric motors. It has eight powerful motors, driving an equal amount of propellers. The propulsion system has a massive power output, making flight effortless and fun. Unique flight computer makes flying extremely easy. With full control over altitude and direction in one hand. An intuitive system which makes everyone a pilot in less than five minutes. The Jetson ONE has a race-car inspired safety cell which protects the pilot, can sustain continuous flight with the loss of one motor, has an auto land function and multiple safety features to protect the pilot in case of an emergency. Following are the specification's:-

WEIGHT                                                   86 kg

FLIGHT TIME                                           20 min

TOP SPEED                                            102 km/hr

The Jetson One is an electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) vehicle that sits in a sweet spot between commercial air taxis and outrageous flying cars. Modelled after the crash cage in racing cars, the open-air One is extremely compact. It's also extraordinarily easy to pilot, thanks to its fly-by-wire system which lets the operator control eight different motors with a single joystick. Thanks to construction using aluminium and carbon fibre, the rig is pretty light, weighing just about 190 lb (86 kg). It can travel for up to 20 minutes on a single charge and it is admirably nimble, able to hover, bank and even go in reverse while zooming through the sky. The Jetson ONE isn’t just another eVTOL; it’s a revolutionary sports vehicle that delivers an exhilarating flying experience. And now, the excitement have gone to the next level with the introduction of the Jetson pylons, bringing a new dimension to the world of racing. A series of videos are in the works to showcase the precision, coordination of the Jetson ONE navigating newly acquired custom-designed pylons.

Jetson ONE maintaining stable flight with one motor powered down, demonstrating its advanced redundancy systems in action. Jetson engineers oversee a critical safety test to ensure reliable performance during challenging flight conditions. Jetson ONE navigating tight manoeuvres with high precision, illustrating its advanced lightweight design and powerful propulsion. This high-tech flying machine captures the spirit of motorsports in the air with its sharp twists and rapid responses. High visibility racing pylons engineered for the Jetson ONE freestyle racecourse, standing tall against a clear blue sky. A revolutionary private aircraft weaving through towering racing pylons, combining the thrill of motorsports with cutting-edge flight technology. During International VIP event 2024, Jetson hosts 130+ guests from all over the world to learn about and enjoy life with Jetson. It's perfect for aviation enthusiasts and future Jetson pilots. Available now on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Steam and more!

Racing has long been a favourite in the aviation community, combining flight with precision manoeuvres around carefully placed obstacles. Traditionally associated with airplanes, racing challenges pilots to demonstrate their skill and agility while navigating a racecourse marked by pylons or gates. This new frontier combines the excitement of high-speed competition with the promise of sustainable, electric-powered aviation, making it a win for both thrill-seekers and environmental enthusiasts alike. Central to this new series are our custom-designed Jetson racing pylons. Standing 8 meters tall, these pylons are specifically engineered to test both pilot skill and machine precision. Designed with high-visibility markers and lightweight materials, they provide the perfect framework for an exciting and challenging racecourse.

It also seems pretty safe. In December, Jetson demonstrated how the One can stabilize itself when a rotor fails by redistributing power to the other motors. The vehicle also uses LiDAR to navigate and avoid obstacles and has an auto-land function if something were to happen to the pilot. Now that the first production version of One has taken flight, the company plans to start rolling them out in earnest. A non-refundable deposit of US$8,000 will let you reserve one, but it'll take a bit more than that to have what amounts to your own personal helicopter, as the current retail price is US$128,000. You'll also have to wait a bit to make your Jetson dreams come true, as all orders for 2025 and 2026 are already full; the company has an estimated delivery date of 2027 for reservations put in now. At least that'll give you plenty of time to save up.

Muhammad (Peace be upon him) Names