Two Israeli apps are among Apple’s “Best of 2012”
Two Israeli applications have made the Apple App Store’s Best of 2012 list. Any.Do allows users to manage a task list using voice commands or touchscreen technology. GroupShot allows group photos to be edited so that everyone looks their best.
Israel introduces “perceptual computing”
Using a unique platform developed at Intel’s Haifa center, it will soon be possible for computers to anticipate the needs of their owners. Intel is offering developers $1 million in prizes to come up with the software of tomorrow, in the Intel Perceptual Computing Challenge.
Waze can help reduce accident numbers
Ben Gurion University researchers have analyzed data from Israeli GPS navigation application “Waze “to highlight traffic trouble spots where police can be deployed more effectively. The data highlighted slow police response times and unmonitored busy intersections.
The first frankincense tree for 1500 years
Dr Elaine Solowey of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies has grown a new sapling of the rare and fragile tree at Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev. Frankincense production at Ein Gedi by the Dead Sea was a major industry until the Romans wiped out the settlement.
Purifying wastewater in Brazil
Israeli start-up Mapal Energy has completed a project in Brazil for the supply and installation of floating fine-bubble aeration units in the state of São Paulo. Mapal’s units replaced the existing mechanical aerators, saving 50% of the energy while maintaining the quality of the treated water.
Iron Dome got even better
Israel’s anti-missile defense system intercepted 85% of the rockets that Gaza terrorists fired at civilians during Operation Pillar of Defense. But towards the end of the conflict, Rafael engineers managed to improve this to 100% - and halted the firing of the second (backup) missile.
Microsoft Israel’s incubator – The Next Generation
Microsoft Accelerator for Windows Azure has launched its second session. 13 Israeli start-ups are participating in the four-month session, receiving guidance from Microsoft, mentoring and $20,000 financial support.
New center for solar energy testing
Israel’s new National Technology and Renewable Energy Center has been inaugurated at Kibbutz Yotvata in the Negev – 50km north of Eilat. China’s Suntech and its competitors will test solar energy products to ensure that they can withstand use under harsh conditions.
Cleaning up in Slovenia and Croatia
Israel’s Applied CleanTech Ltd is to install 200 of its sewage recycling units at the wastewater treatment facilities in Slovenia and Croatia. Waste will be converted into raw materials for the plastics and paper industry and save it being transported to Austria for incineration as at present.
Cutting accidents in the field
The Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene is running cutting-edge mobile courses in accident prevention to agricultural workers nationwide. Vans containing pullout touch-screen monitors and pick-of-the-crop software in Hebrew and Arabic drive straight to center field.