Nothing Ghostly About Devialet's Phantom Gold Sound

By John P. Mello Jr.

Devialet, the French company that has built a reputation in the audio market for high-end wireless speakers, on Tuesday announced its newest addition: the US$3,000 Phantom Gold.

The Phantom Gold looks something like a futuristic Faberge egg, and it's priced like one, too.

That said, it has some ear-pleasing and ear-splitting specs.

Devialet has given it a power boost to 4,500 watts. That enables it to crank out sound at motorcycle levels of 108 decibels, and it does it with minimal harmonic distortion of just 0.0005 percent.

The Phantom Gold's frequency response range is beyond anything detectable by the human ear -- 14Hz at the low end and 27kHz at the high end.

"You won't be able to hear such low-frequency rumbles, but you'll feel them -- in your molars, your bowels, and in the soles of your feet," wrote Michael Calore in Wired.

Golden Gills

Devialet has re-engineered the tweeter in the latest Phantom model to improve its treble performance. It replaced the aluminum tweeter in previous models with a stiffer titanium one.

The firm also made improvements in the line's digital signal processor, and those changes are backward compatible. Owners of earlier Phantom models can get the new DSP through a firmware upgrade.

The speaker supports both wired and wireless connections, including Bluetooth, Apple's AirPlay, Ethernet, optical and WiFi.

If a listener wants to tap into the full potential of Phantom Gold, however, Bluetooth isn't the way to go, advised Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

"Given the typical compression of the sound coming out of a Bluetooth device, you most likely won't hear the full quality of this product unless you hardwire it to your streaming device," he told TechNewsWorld.

Although compact, the Phantom Gold's portability is a bit challenged by its weight -- 25 pounds -- and its need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Devialet has developed software to control the speaker. Its Phantom Spark app runs on Android and iOS devices, as well as Windows and Macintosh computers. It can play music from a phone, from Tidal and Spotify Connect -- and in applicable markets, from Deezer and Qobuz.

In addition, as many as 24 of the units -- which are embellished with 24-carat rose gold on the "gills" at either side of the speaker -- can be paired for a very expensive multiroom experience.

Favorable Impressions

For the most part, the trade press has reacted favorably to Phantom Gold.

"I only had a brief chance to preview Gold Phantom, but it's definitely loud and certainly clear," wrote Chris Davies for SlashGear.

"In fact," he continued, "the sample Phantom product manager Romain Salzman showed me has its amp uncapped -- it could potentially damage your hearing if pushed anywhere close to its maximum -- but what's notable is the clarity even at higher volumes."

Phantom Gold need not be taken to the max to be appreciated, maintained Dan Seifert in The Verge.

"At lower volumes, the Gold has a presence and range that exceed lesser speakers, and it excels in mid-range tones. It also has the ability to replicate high frequencies without distortion," he wrote.

"The Gold is capable of reproducing low frequencies," added Seifert, "but its small woofers don't provide the thump of a larger, dedicated subwoofer."

Best Speaker Planet's Ever Seen

Devialet has removed the brightness found in previous Phantom models, noted Ty Pendlebury in Cnet.

"Based on a short listening test the sound I heard lacked the brightness of the previous model and instead sounded open and nuanced," he wrote.

"Nick Cave's 'Red Right Hand' had the three-dimensionality I'd heard in 'proper' stereo systems and managed to untangle the knotty mass of deep vocals and bass line," Pendlebury observed.

"What we have here isn't so much a wireless speaker as it is an effort to make the very best speaker anyone on the planet has seen," wrote Tyler Lacoma in Gadget Review.

As good as Phantom Gold may be, its potential for changing the wireless speaker market is limited.

"Their price point will keep sales volumes really small, and that will likely reduce any larger impact on the market," Enderle said. "Much like Rolls Royce doesn't really drive car design, these speakers will have little impact on a market defined by products under $100, not products costing thousands."

Extreme Market

Phantom Gold is a high-end product aimed at a high-end market that's been known for extremes, said Brad Russell, an audio analyst with Parks Associates.

"The high-end audiophile market has always been about extremes," he told TechNewsWorld. "It's about owning extreme technology even if it's not discernible to most of us. It's a $10,000 turntable sitting on a block of granite to minimize vibration that wouldn't make a difference to the vast majority of us."

Phantom Gold is the third speaker in Devialet's product line, which includes the 750-watt Phantom ($1,990) and the 3,000-watt Phantom Silver ($2,390).

Devialet is taking pre-orders for Phantom Gold, which is expected to ship on Bastille Day, July 14.

You can buy the $199 Moto G4 and G4 Plus in the US on July 12

by NATT GARUN

Just in time before your summer vacation, Motorola has announced that US customers can soon buy its new budget Moto G4 smartphone for $199.

The phone comes unlocked so you can use it with any carrier within the states or internationally. It comes with a 5.5-inch 1080p display and a 13-megapixel camera. You can also opt for the $249 Moto G Plus version, which bumps camera specs up to 16 megapixels and 32GB of internal memory versus 16GB in the cheaper model.

Fun tidbit: On Motorola’s blog post about the announcement, it also includes an infographic on what Americans think an “unlocked phone” means – 23 percent from a sample size of 1,000 (i.e. 1 in four participants) thought an unlocked phone is a phone without a passcode. Whoops. Not totally wrong though.

The phones will be available on July 12 through popular online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and of course, Motorola. Some of the retailers are also running promotions to knock off anywhere between $25 to $50 at launch, so act quick if you’re planning to buy the phone anyway.

Smartphones should focus on meaningful technology that prioritizes the things people really care about, like capturing great pictures, having all-day battery life or being able to switch carriers when and if needed.

But according to a new survey we conducted among U.S. smartphone users, there are common misperceptions about another meaningful feature of a smartphone -- being unlocked. The majority of people we surveyed are confused about what a universally unlocked phone offers or even what, exactly, an unlocked phone is, so we created a handy infographic to explain it.

The fourth-generation Moto G is universally unlocked in the U.S., so it works on both GSM and CDMA networks and is not tied to a carrier or plan, giving you the most choice possible. No matter where life takes you - whether you want to switch carriers or travel internationally - simply insert the SIM card of your choice and activate your plan. Moto G⁴ lets you keep your options open and focus on what matters.

In the U.S., the new Moto G⁴ will be available starting at $199.99 and Moto G⁴ Plus will be available starting at $249.99 beginning July 12 at Amazon.com, Best Buy, BrandsMart, B&H, Car Toys, Fry’s, MicroCenter, Motorola.com, Sam’s Club and Walmart.com. Pre-orders begin today on motorola.com on June 28, 2016. Moto G⁴ and Moto G⁴ Plus will be available at Republic Wireless beginning July 28.

How to Fix a Ford Focus

By Kate Miller-Wilson

Wondering how to fix a Ford Focus? Depending on the type of problem you're experiencing, the repair may be something you can handle yourself.

About the Ford Focus

Introduced in Canada and the United States in 1999, the Ford Focus was designed to replace the popular Ford Escort. After more than a decade on the market, the Focus has gone through three major redesigns and is available with a wide array of options. There have been more than five million Ford Focus cars sold worldwide, and in 2000 alone, U.S. consumers bought one million units.

Problems with the Focus

Like any car, the Ford Focus has had some consumer complaints. Not surprisingly, the older model years have the most issues, including the following:

• Difficulty putting the key in the ignition, turning the key, or removing the key
• Problems unlocking or opening doors or rolling down windows
• Engine stalling or refusing to start
• Failure or slipping of the transmission
• Premature wear of brake pads and rotors

Owners of the newer Ford Focus are not immune to problems, but these issues occur much less frequently than problems with older cars. Owners of newer models report the following:

• Spotty or peeling paint on the exterior
• Uneven and early tire wear
• Carpet worn or coming loose
• Difficulty keeping the car in gear
• Early failure of the alternator

How to Fix a Ford Focus

Depending on the extent of your auto repair knowledge, some of these common issues require the assistance of a professional mechanic. If the car engine won't start or you're experiencing a transmission or alternator failure, you'll most likely need help from a professional. However, you can repair or avoid some other problems yourself.

Here's how to fix or avoid some common problems with the Ford Focus:

• The Focus is notorious for having problems with the key and ignition. Never use a heavy keychain with your Focus, and keep other keys to a minimum. Excess weight will exacerbate the problem. If you experience the key issue, FordProblems.com recommends that your take the vehicle to a locksmith, rather than have it repaired by the dealer.
• If you find that your brakes are wearing unevenly or prematurely, make note of your driving habits. Aggressive driving has been known to cause premature brake wear on most cars. Have your brakes checked frequently, and experiment with different brands.
• Keep an eye on any paint issues, and keep your car clean. If you see a problem, immediately repair it with touch-up paint. To do this, use a small piece of steel wool to lightly rough up the surface of the paint right around the chip. Then use light strokes to carefully fill in the area with touch-up paint. Avoid drips and smears.
• If you find that your carpet is having problems, take the car in forprofessional detailing. An auto detailer may be able to repair small interior issues like lifting carpet.
• If your tires are wearing out prematurely, make sure you are keeping them properly inflated. It's also important to rotate the tires often. If your car has an issue with uneven wear, make sure you rotate the tires with every oil change. This can help extend their life.

Ford Focus Recalls

Some Ford Focus problems may have been identified by the manufacturer and covered by a recall. If you purchased your Ford Focus as a used car, you may not be on the recall list. To check for recalls affecting your model year, visit the website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can look up your car by year, make, and model.

Ford Focus Warranty Issues

If these or any other Ford Focus issues arise while your car is still under warranty, it's likely the manufacturer will pay for the repair. However, if your warranty has expired, you may still have a chance at getting the repair covered by Ford. A program called "after-warranty assistance" may cover the repair if you can prove that you are the car's original owner and the problem is due to a manufacturing issue. For more information, contact your Ford dealer.

---

Knowing how to fix a Ford Focus may help you repair or even avoid some of the minor issues associated with this model. However, for major repairs, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a qualified mechanic.

How to Fix a Car CD Player

By Ryan Dube

If you own a vehicle, then knowing how to fix a car CD player is important knowledge to have. If you own your car for a long time, you will likely be faced with the task of fixing or replacing the player in your car at some point.

The Basics of How to Fix a Car CD Player

Just because a car CD player is electronic doesn't mean that you should be afraid to open it up and attempt to do your own repairs. Many people assume that a CD player is a complicated electronic device, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The player is actually made up of just a few mechanical parts that can break, and repairing those parts is sometimes surprisingly simple.

Simple Troubleshooting

Before you decide to open up the player and attempt more invasive repairs, try some of these more basic troubleshooting tips to figure out how to fix a car CD player:

• Is the problem related to the volume or quality of the sound? This could be related to the speakers and not the main unit of your audio system. Take the time to remove the covers from the speakers in your car and make sure there's no trapped dirt or damage. Also check the electrical connections on the back to make sure they are still firm and make a good connection.
• If the speakers look fine, another issue that could affect sound is the quality of the connections behind the head unit of your system. You'll need to open the dash to access the unit (see your owner's manual or an auto repair manual for your car). Make sure all channel (speaker) connections are solid and make good contact.
• When you insert a disc, is the CD display blank? While it sounds simple, one of the most common mistakes people make is inserting a CD upside down. This will cause the player to act as though it isn't working.
• Is the music skipping or stopping completely? This is commonly caused by dirty or damaged tracks on the disc. Before assuming that the problem is with the player, test a few newer CDs and see if the skipping behavior continues. If it doesn't, the the problem is the disc and you'll need to look into cleaning or repairing the disc so that it can play normally again.If you've explored all of the possibilities listed above and you're still having difficulty, you may need to explore how to fix a car CD player using a more advanced approach.

  Advanced Troubleshooting

  While some people save the advanced troubleshooting for an electronics technician, the following tips are a few things that you can do on your own. Performing the following maintenance on the CD player may repair the problem that you're seeing.

  Skipping Audio

  If you are experiencing skipping audio, or music that simply stops playing entirely, try the following maintenance tips:
  • Clean the objective lens and spindle. Contamination of the lens with dust or dirt can significantly reduce the quality of the data read off of audio discs. You will need to remove the unit from the dash, open it up, and locate the lens. If you can open the CD door and see the lens by shining a flashlight inside, you can clean it by inserting a long Q-tip moistened with pure isopropyl alcohol.
  • Examine the lens after you've cleaned it. If you see any major scratches, that means that the lens assembly may require replacement, and you'd be better off buying an entirely new CD player. Most problems are caused by a dirty lens though, so a simple cleaning may do the trick.
  • If you can get the end of a Q-tip under the lens and you can lift it up slightly, insert another alcohol-moistened swab underneath and clean off the turning mirror (looks like glass) under the lens.
  • After cleaning, next check the movement of the lens itself. If it tends to stick while moving up or down, or it doesn't remain flat with the deck while being moved around - this is a sign of a mechanical failure and that the entire unit may need to be replaced.

  CD Door Problems

  If the door of your CD player sticks or otherwise doesn't work properly, try the following troubleshooting ideas:
  • Open the bottom of the player and remove the optical deck. Make sure to use jeweler's screwdrivers and carefully store the screws that you remove (they are tiny!). Examine the drawer mechanism for loose or broken parts. If there's a belt, check that it is still attached and tight. Replacing the belt is an easy and cheap fix.
  • Examine all gears and observe the electric motors for any burn marks or damage. Apply silicone grease to moving parts. If the door is noisy, you can also put a drop of electric motor oil inside the electric motors to quiet them.
  • Many CD players have a lock attached to the door that is used to protect the device during shipping. Check that the lock is not in place or otherwise blocking the sled drive from extracting the CD.
  • If the inner workings are somewhat dirty, this could be the cause of the problems. Using either an air compressor with an air gun attachment or a toothpick, try to remove dirt and grime from the gears and other moving parts. Lubricate the moving parts with silicone grease to aid operation.

  You May Be Able to Fix It Yourself

  Most of the time, simple troubleshooting tips will resolve any problems you're experiencing with a car CD player. However, there will be times when there are mechanical failures. Don't be afraid to tackle the repair work yourself. Often, just replacing a very inexpensive part or cleaning the inner workings of the drive will completely renew the device back to perfect working condition.

Bike Repairs

It's no fun hauling your bike to the shop only to hear that your problem is user error. Mechanics face these five customer woes all the time. Here's how to solve them yourself.—Lindsay J. Westley

Degreasing Your Chain

Problem: My chain isn't shifting correctly, and it skips a lot.

What Happened: You may be an uber luber, and the excess sticky stuff is attracting grime to the chain and cassette.

First clean, rinse, and dry your chain and cassette (the gears in the back). You can buy bike-specific degreasers and chain-cleaning gizmos, but dish soap and a toothbrush work, too. Next, carefully apply one drop (more is not better) of lube onto each roller as you turn the cranks backward for two or three rotations. Finally, take a clean rag and gently grip the chain's outer plates as you spin the cranks for one more rotation. Keep going until you've wiped off all the excess lube—it should be mostly inside the chain on the rollers, not on the outside where it can attract dirt.

Aligning Your Wheel

Problem: I fixed a flat. Now the tire is rubbing one of the brake pads.

What Happened: You reinstalled your wheel crooked.

If you slid the skewer all the way out to remove your wheel, you might have dropped one of the two skewer springs—which help keep your wheel centered—or reinstalled them backward. Check to be sure the narrow side of the spring is next to your hub; otherwise, it could increase the axle diameter and affect fit. Tip: You don't have to remove the skewer completely to take off a wheel. Just open the quick-release lever and spin the nut on the other side to loosen, then gently dislodge it from the dropouts (slots in the frame and fork where each skewer rests). When tightening, keep the bike on the ground to help the wheel sit properly.

Inflating Your Tires

Problem: I keep getting flat tires. Are my tubes defective?

What Happened: You're underinflating your tubes, there's debris inside the tire, or you're not installing them correctly.

Low tire pressure can cause a tube to be pinched against the rim and result in what's called a pinch flat. Look on the side of your tire to find the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) range. Inflate the tube to at least the lower number. If you're a heavier rider (more than 225 pounds including your bike), fill it to the maximum number. When changing a tire, run your finger along the inside to check for foreign objects (such as a tiny piece of gravel or glass) that could cause another flat. Before you inflate a new tube, check to make sure it isn't caught between the rim and the tire.

Adjusting Your Shifter

Problem:  My chain keeps popping off. Can you adjust my shifter?

What Happened: You didn't soft pedal when shifting betweenchainrings.

When you pedal hard while shifting, especially on hills, the chain has to work harder to move since it's already under heavy resistance. Try easing off as you shift gears. You won't lose momentum, but by avoiding a last-minute, panicked shift, your chain should move exactly where you want it to go. If you are soft pedaling but still dropping your chain, you may need a professional to adjust the limit screws on your front derailleur (the part that moves the chain between rings). These screws allow you to make precise adjustments, but even a small turn can cause damage if you're not sure what you're doing.

Cleaning Your Chain

Problem: My chain is making a grinding noise. Can you quiet it down?

What Happened: You're cross-chaining or not cleaning and lubing your chain often enough.

If your chain is grating or rasping when you're in your big chainring in front and your biggest sprocket in back (or vice versa), you're increasing wear and tear on your components--which will cost you money in the long run. Try clicking down two or three gears in the back and/or shifting into your smaller chainring. If that isn't the problem, it may be time to clean and lube your chain. Aim to do it at least every few weeks, and after any wet or muddy ride. If neither of these solutions works, you may want to consult with a mechanic. Your chain may be worn (and you'll need a new one) or your derailleurs need to be adjusted.

It's OK to...

1. Take your bike to the shop even if you think you can do the repairyourself. A quicker fix means more riding time for you.

2. Ask a mechanic what caused the problem and ask him or her to explain it again if you don't understand.

3. Go back to the shop after riding 20 to 50 miles on a new bike. (In fact, you should.) Components settle and shift during these first few rides, and you'll want a pro to readjust them for you.

How to Put YouTube Videos on Your iPod

 by John Biggs

WikiHow has a detailed discussion on how to grab and place YouTube video on your iPod or other portable video player. Good news if you like 5 minute videos of kids skating with their hands.

Firefox (Windows only)

1. Add the Greasemonkey extension to your Firefox browser.

2. Go to http://www.userscripts.org and install the Download YouTube Video script.

3. The next time you watch YouTube, you’ll see a Download Video option beneath the screen. Click it to save the file to your desktop as QaQw9V4Upj4.flv or whatever.

4. Install and launch the free Super video converter (www.erightsoft.com). Download is located here.

5. Select Apple – iPod from the Output Container option, and then the output video codec H.264/AVC. Set size to 320 x 240. If you get an error message when converting, unclick the Use DirectShow button. Otherwise, drag the converted file into iTunes and it’s ready for viewing.

Safari (Mac only)

1. Go to a YouTube video page, wait for it to load, and open Safari’s Activity window.

2. Double-click the URL of the video file – it’s the largest one – to download it.

3. Rename the file something better than QaQw9V4Upj4 – say, Skateboarding Bulldog.

4. Drag and drop it into the free iSquint converter (www.isquint.org) and – presto! – an iPod-optimized video file for your iTunes library.

A quick look at the state of hardware technologies in China and beyond

by Jonathan Shieber

In the past few years hardware investment has come into its own as a major force in the tech world beyond the walls of medical devices (where it had been relegated for years).

A recent report from HAX, the hardware accelerator backed by SOSV shows just how far the movement has come in a relatively short time.

According to HAX partner Benjamin Joffe, China has become the epicenter for hardware in the world. Foreign companies have flocked to the country, while domestic giants like the upstart hardware manufacturer Mi and handset and drone companies likeOnePlus and SZ DJI take their place on the global technology stage.

A WIRED documentary series on Shenzhen illustrates just how far China’s star has risen and how dominant the country has become in the world of technology hardware manufacturing, development, and innovation. And the physical impact of these products is only just beginning to shape the direction the tech industry will take in years to come.

When it comes to the Chinese hardware scene a few categories dominate. The aforementioned DJI is the clear leader in drone technology and new entrants like Yuneec and eHang are nipping at their heels.

Robots are another area where the Chinese market is beginning to outpace its Western counterparts. Consumers have gone wild for social robots and toys and the Taiwanese tech giant, Foxconn wants to replace 30% of its workforce by 2020 and would need cheaper industrial robots to make that a reality.

Indeed, robots for factories, stores, and shopping centers are beginning to show promise and HAX portfolio companies like the inventory robot Simbe (now testing at Target), and delivery robot Dispatch are good examples, said Joffe.

The Twilight Of The Hoverboard

It’s undeniable Chinese hardware manufacturing  has been metaphorically blowing up, with consumer facing products being embraced by crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter. Joffe said his accelerator has backed dozens of projects that have raised between $100k and $1m — as well as a few over $1 million babies. But there’s still a quality problem that persists.

In no category is that more apparent than in personal mobility where stories of devices literally blowing up have cast a pall over the market. Joffee said that there are still opportunities for upstarts to remake the image of the hoverboard, but contenders like Ninebot, who acquired Segway. avoid using the term “hoverboard” in the U.S.

China’s Hardware Investment Scene

It’s getting hot in here, according to investors. Luminaries like Jenny Lee, a Managing Partner at GGV Capital (who is a very active investor in hardware — and a former drone engineer) point to the incredibly compressed time it takes a Chinese hardware company to bring their product to market as a source of excitement among investors. Hardware startups in the country can go to market in 6  months instead of the typical two years it takes to get a product out the door in the U.S. (but see above for some problems with that model).

For investors like Fan Bao, the chairman of China Renaissance, the problem is an overabundance of companies — with varying degrees of quality.  The easy money available in the country, and more broadly across Asia, means that Chinese startups that shouldn’t be funded are still getting funding.

Joffe thinks the problem is one of perspective. “Startup founders in China tend to think investment is the best way to reach the next milestone, which is often simply more investment, rather than making sure they deliver something unique and sustainable,” he wrote.

Compounding the stiff competition from well-funded early stage competitors there’s another issue as well. Giants looming in the market that are waiting to pick up a good idea and run with it at a scale startups could find it hard to compete with. Indeed, companies like Xiaomi are commoditizing “easy” things very fast so investors are looking at either products with high technical barriers of entry, a recurring revenue component, or the ability to build a brand very quickly.

Today China, tomorrow the world

As Joffe looks away from China’s shores he points to opportunities around 3D printing, health technologies and even the coming reality of cyborgs in the world.

“The rise of health tech is very exciting – we are now well beyond step counters. There are devices to monitor, prevent, diagnose, coach, train and even heal. They cover physical and mental conditions,” said Joffe in an email. He pointed to startups focusing on IBS, BFRB, insomnia and depression.

Then come the cyborgs. There were three exoskeleton companies that went public in 2014, including Japan’s Cyberdyne, now worth about $5b, that are bringing a vision of enhanced humanity to the world. (Cyberdyne however is a creepily unfortunate name).

Finally, while 3D printing still has yet to live up to its promise, with Makerbot-style printers becoming commodities (and the company is moving production to Shenzhenafter being a “made in USA” champion) and the tool still very much in the hands of hobbyists, a shift is beginning to happen, according to Joffe.

“New technologies are coming to market to print faster, better or in new materials including fabric. New desktop and smart tools are coming to market able to work with a wide variety of materials with laser, smart CNC hand tools or even water jets,” Joffe said. “The possibility of micro-factories and mass customization are getting closer.”

AR and VR Hardware Continue To Grab Attention

These days, according to Joffe, AR and VR are in a class by themselves. VR was one of the stars of the show at E3, and the first devices are coming to market now. However challenges, persist and there will be new hardwrae entrants that will look to help solve them. Everything from creating engaging content – new 360 cameras from amateur likeGiroptic’s 360cam for $499 to pro like Nokia’s $60,000 OZO are going to help – to interacting in the VR space will require hardware tools to help.

The future of 3D-printed prosthetics

by Jonathan Schwartz

The recent ubiquity of 3D printers and innovations in prosthetic design, manufacturing and distribution offer a viable solution for the millions of people living with limb loss around the world. In the United States alone, close to 200,000 amputations are performed each year, yet, with prostheticspriced from $5,000-$50,000, having one can almost be considered a luxury.

Traditionally, the process of getting a prosthetic limb can take anywhere from weeks to months. Because prosthetics are such personal items, each one has to (or should) be custom-made or fit to the needs of the wearer. However, as 3D printers become more affordable, with some available for less than $200, the possibility of anyone being able to design and print a prosthetic limb in their home or local community is rapidly becoming a reality.

To fully appreciate the cost of prosthetic limbs, we can look at the economics of a family with a child in need. On average, each prosthetic has a lifespan of five years, and when considering younger children who are growing every day and are prone to breaking things, more frequent replacements are required.

Once you calculate the price of the prosthetic and its subsequent replacements, the total lifetime cost could place a considerable amount of strain on a family’s finances. Not to mention, it is also almost impossible to get insurance companies to cover that cost annually — CNN recently reported a new Medicare proposal that would limit access to limbs (currently, there are 150,000 amputees in the system).

The democratization of prosthetic design and creation through 3D printing enables millions of people around the world to reap the benefits of the newly popularized manufacturing technology. Open-source initiatives such as The Enable Community Foundation let anyone with a 3D printer customize and create a prosthetic hand. Those on the Enable team, a global network of passionate volunteers, are using 3D printing to give the world a helping hand, and it only costs $50.

With 3D printing, kids can create a prosthetic based on their needs, such as an extendable arm that allows him or her to reach down effortlessly to pick up items off the floor. Akin to printing a document, printing a prosthetic is quickly becoming as easy as pressing “print” and watching the 3D printer build layer upon layer.

In the near future, prosthetics will be seamlessly integrated into people’s everyday lives with minimal effort. New 3D scanning and body modeling technologies from companies such as Body Labsenable people to 3D scan their limbs and haveprosthetics modeled after them, making for more natural fitting and appearance.

Technological developments from innovators such as Hugh Herr of MIT have introduced new abilities, including propulsion systems, integrated sensors and sophisticated algorithms that work together to automate more natural joint movement. The development of predictive movement for prosthetics will make it so people won’t have to think hard about controlling the device. Soon, prosthetics will move with more fluidity to mimic natural movement, and people will be able to control them in part with their brains and bodies through direct natural touch input systems.

Furthermore, 3D printers are becoming compatible with many new materials, like lightweight titanium, increasing durability and strength. Prosthetics will also become more comfortable by using multi-material 3D printing methods to create more natural sockets that better interface with the human body. Imagine if wearing a prosthetic felt like wearing that horribly uncomfortable pair of shoes that now lives in the back of your closet…

How to fix Android's 'insufficient storage available' error message

If you see the message 'insufficient storage available' on your Android phone or tablet and you do have space available, follow these steps to clear Android's cache and you'll be downloading, updating and installing apps again in a matter of minutes. Here's how to fix the 'insufficient storage available' error message on Android.

By Marie Brewis

You can check out our step by step guide below but we've also made a video showing you exactly what to do.

Step 1 of 4:

If you're getting the error message 'insufficient storage available' you need to delete the app cache. This is automated by a free app, or can be manually achieved by deleting individual app caches. Here's how to fix Android's 'insufficient storage available' error message. See all Android tutorials.
The 'insufficient storage available' error often pops up if you have moved large amounts of media from the Android device's physical storage to a microSD card, and is caused by the cache not being properly erased.
You can clear your app cache in a matter of seconds or a few minutes, depending on just how bad the problem is on your device. If it allows you to install it, downloading a small (around 2MB) app can automatically clear the app cache on your behalf; if your phone won't allow the installation then you'll need to manually go through deleting the cache for each app. See step 4 for instructions on how to do this.

Step 2 of 4:

If you haven't already tried deleting anything on your phone and are receiving the 'insufficient storage available' error, this would be a good place to start. There are more than likely apps you have previously downloaded, never used and forgotten about - check the app tray rather than the home screens for these, since the app tray will list everything on your phone and, unless you're running Marshmallow (which lets you uninstall apps from the home screen), makes it easier to quickly uninstall them.
Photos, videos and your downloads folder are another good place to check. If you're using WhatsApp, also check its files in a File Manager app or by plugging it into your PC as it may well be storing every photo and video you send as well as those you receive.
Google Photos is a great option for backing up as many standard-resolution photos and video clips as you like, making them accessible from any device on to which you can log into your Google account and allowing you to delete them from your Android phone or tablet without losing them forever. The only catch is you'll need to download the Google Photos app to your device if you don't already have it, which may be an issue if you are seeing the "insufficient storage available" error. In the meantime, you could always plug your Android device into a PC or laptop and copy across any media you want to back up.
Now that you have freed up some space, your device will hopefully allow you to download the small app that automates the process of clearing the app cache. Try this by launching the Play store, searching for and, if you can, downloading the free app called App Cache Cleaner – 1Tap Clean.

Step 3 of 4:

The app cache cleaner is very easy to use; you simply opent the app and let it scan your device for your app's stored cache. You can then either clear the caches indivually by clicking on the rubbish bin icon next to each app, or delete all the app caches by selected the Clear button at the bottom of the screen.
Assuming you already had some space on your internal storage, despite the error messages, you should now be able to download or update the app you were having difficulty with.
If, however, you are having problems even installing the app cache cleaner app, go to the next step and we'll show you how to do its job without using an app.

Step 4 of 4:

How to manually clear Android's app cache
The third-party app we mention in this workshop isn't strictly necessary, since it's possible for you to perform the same action without it, but it does automate and therefore make easier and quicker the task of clearing your app cache. However, if your phone or tablet is being so fussy about insufficient storage that it won't even let you install this small app, here's how to manually clear the app cache.
First check whether your device has an option to clear the cache for all apps without manually clearing each. For example, I can quickly clear the app cache on my Samsung Galaxy S6 by opening the Settings menu and choosing Storage, then taping on Cached data and selecting Delete in the prompt 'Clear cached data. This will clear cached data for all apps'.
If you don't have such an option or, for whatever reason, don't want to clear the cache of all your apps, you can also do so on an app-by-app basis. Again in the Settings menu this time choose Apps or Applications, depending on what software your device is running.
Now you want to be able to see a list of all apps downloaded or running on your phone, which will probably be achieved by selecting a tab at the top of the screen. On my S6 I first need to choose Application Manager in order to see this screen.
Tap any app in this list to select it, then choose Clear Cache to clear the app's cache. Some notable offenders, in my experience, are Facebook, Google Maps and Chrome.
If there are any apps here that were preinstalled on your phone but you do not use you could always uninstall any updates from this same menu to free up some more space, although if you have automatic updates set up in Google Play your device will only download them again. If you are still lacking storage space, a better alternative would be to read our advice on how to add storage to Android andhow to move apps and data to an SD card.