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360-degree throwable tactical cameras are changing the game for the military and law enforcement

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360-degree throwable tactical cameras are changing the game for the military and law enforcement

A cool new gadget is shaking things up in the world of tactical operations. Bounce Imaging just unveiled an innovative tool at a recent conference, and it’s got everyone talking. It has developed this nifty little device called the Pit Viper 360.

Named after the heat-sensing abilities of certain snakes, it is the world’s first 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera. 

The Pit Viper 360 is set to change how tactical teams approach dangerous scenarios, allowing them to gather critical intelligence without exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.

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A 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

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A rugged design for high-stakes situations

The Pit Viper 360 is built to withstand the rigors of tactical operations. Its robust construction allows it to be rolled across floors, thrown downstairs and launched through windows, even if they are closed. This versatility makes it invaluable in armed standoffs, hostage situations and other high-risk scenarios where direct visual reconnaissance is too dangerous. Additionally, it can be lowered on tethers or mounted on poles for strategic placement.

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Military scenario using a 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

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Advanced imaging capabilities

What sets the Pit Viper 360 apart from other throwable cameras is its comprehensive imaging suite that includes color video, infrared imaging and thermal imaging. The thermal imaging capability is particularly noteworthy because it can detect heat signatures from humans and machinery, providing crucial intelligence in low-visibility environments.

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A man demonstrating a 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

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Innovative panoramic technology

Instead of relying on traditional pan/tilt motors or expensive camera arrays, the Pit Viper 360 uses six thermal imaging cores to generate a real-time, stabilized 360° panoramic view. This innovative approach offers several advantages, such as low latency, reduced size and weight and lower power requirements. Sietse Dijkstra, Bounce Imaging’s chief technology officer, explains that this design allows for stabilized thermal panoramic video with very low size, weight and power requirements.

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Image from a 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

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Practical applications

The capabilities of the Pit Viper 360 make it an ideal tool for military operations, law enforcement tactical teams, search and rescue missions and industrial inspections. Its ability to be deployed by robotic systems, such as Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robots like SPOT, further expands its potential uses in various scenarios. At a recent conference where the Pit Viper 360 was unveiled, Bounce Imaging highlighted how their technology can work alongside SPOT to enhance safety for first responders in complex environments.

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Spot the robot dog carrying 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

Collaboration with robotics

Bounce Imaging’s collaboration with Boston Dynamics showcases the future of unmanned systems. By integrating their respective technologies, they aim to create a powerful tool for clearing hazardous environments. The combination of SPOT’s navigation capabilities and Bounce Imaging’s panoramic situational awareness can significantly improve operational efficiency and safety during missions.

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Mark Fargason, Bounce Imaging’s COO, emphasizes that teaming across platforms is essential to leverage each technology’s strengths effectively. This partnership not only enhances mission success but also prioritizes the safety of personnel involved in high-risk operations.

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Military scenario using 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

What’s next for the Pit Viper 360?

Now, if you’re itching to get your hands on one, you’ll have to hang tight until early 2025. They haven’t released details on the price yet, but you can bet it’ll be a hot item for elite teams worldwide.

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Military scenario using 360-degree panoramic thermal-imaging tactical throwable camera (Bounce Imaging)

Kurt’s key takeaways

By combining rugged design with advanced thermal imaging and innovative panoramic capabilities, Bounce Imaging has created a tool that could revolutionize how military and law enforcement personnel approach high-risk situations. The Pit Viper 360 is set to be a game-changer in keeping our brave men and women in uniform (and the civilians they protect) safer in those nail-biting situations.

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What do you think about the potential impact of advanced technologies like the Pit Viper 360 on the safety and effectiveness of military and law enforcement operations in high-risk situations? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Drone takes out Super Scooper fighting Los Angeles wildfires

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Drone takes out Super Scooper fighting Los Angeles wildfires

An aircraft helping to fight wildfires that are raging across Los Angeles was struck by a civilian drone on Thursday. The collision damaged the wing of the aircraft — a CL-415 “Super Scooper” capable of scooping up 1,600 gallons of ocean water to drop onto nearby blazes — according to a statement by the LA County Fire Department posted on X, putting it out of service until it can be repaired.

Cal Fire spokesman Chris Thomas told The New York Times that grounding the aircraft will likely set back local firefighting efforts. Super Scoopers can typically refill in about five minutes. But even if it takes ten, that’s six water drops that are lost each hour according to Thomas. “So whose house is not going to get that water to protect it?” The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says the Super Scooper landed safely after the drone impact, and that the incident is now under investigation.

Temporary flight restrictions have been implemented in the Los Angeles area that prohibit drones and other aircraft from flying without FAA authorization in an effort to protect firefighting efforts.

According to LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, the drone was not assigned to help tackle the Palisades fires, and was destroyed in the collision. Marrone told the LA Times that the FBI is now planning to implement so-called “aerial armor” in the area to prevent further interference from drones.

Several people online have violated the FAA-enforced flight restrictions, posting viral drone photos and video footage across social media showing the devastation from what appears to be prohibited airspace. Fire response agencies are often forced to ground their own aircraft to avoid collisions when dummies fly drones near wildfires for online clout.

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“It’s a federal crime, punishable by up to 12 months in prison, to interfere with firefighting efforts on public lands,” the FAA said in a statement. “Additionally, the FAA can impose a civil penalty of up to $75,000 against any drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement or emergency response operations. The FAA treats these violations seriously and immediately considers swift enforcement action for these offenses.”

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How to easily print photos from your phone

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How to easily print photos from your phone

Are you an aspiring Android or iPhone photographer? Both Android OS 15 and iOS 18 bring professional photography features to their new smartphones with advancements made in artificial intelligence-assisted photo processing and top-of-the-line digital camera sensors in the top-line smartphones.

Even if you don’t enjoy taking photos directly from your smartphone, most cameras now allow you to instantly transfer pictures from a camera to a smartphone via Bluetooth. 

You can also print high-quality pictures from your phone, and it’s surprisingly easy. Here are a few different ways to print a photograph from your smartphone.

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A photo printer with SD cards sitting on top of it. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Using a Wi-Fi-enabled printer

Many of the most popular printers available today feature Wi-Fi functionality, and if you have a Wi-Fi-enabled printer, you can print photographs directly from your phone. Most modern photo printers are fully wireless, allowing you to easily print photos directly from their Android or iOS smartphones. Check out my top printer picks here. Here’s how to print from a wireless printer on both Android and iOS:

For iPhone:

  • Ensure your printer supports AirPrint and is connected to your phone’s Wi-Fi network.
  • Open the Photos app, select the photo you want to print, tap the share icon, and choose Print.
  • Choose your printer and adjust any print settings. 
  • Click Print in the upper right of the screen.

For Android:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

  • Connect your printer to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
  • Go to SettingsConnected devicesConnection preferencesPrinting.
  • Select Default Print Service or a third-party print service plugin.
  • Open the photo you want to print in your gallery app, tap the share icon, and select Print.

Using a portable photo printer

Portable photo printers are handy for printing on the go. They usually connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and come with apps for easy printing. Portable photo printers are a great idea if you want a compact photograph printer that’s great for taking with you on trips. Many portable printers are small enough to fit in a travel bag and are battery-powered, so there’s no wired setup necessary. Check on my picks for the best portable printers here.

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A portable photo printer being used. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Using an online photo printing service

You can also use apps or websites like Shutterfly or Snapfish that offer photo printing services. Upload your photos, choose your print options, and have them delivered to your home or picked up at a local store. Similar services are also available at your local print shops or even at big-box stores such as Staples, which also provide high-quality poster and image printing. Using a print service and shop to process your photographs can be a great idea, as you can rest assured that your photographs are being printed on high-quality prints with great printers.

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Laptop with photos. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Transferring photos to your computer

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You can transfer your photos to your computer and print them from there using your home printer. This is a great option if you have an older printer or an older photo printer that doesn’t support Wi-Fi. Here’s a list of our printer recommendations. I recommend looking at the options for color printers that we’ve highlighted. We made the list for everyone, so we made sure to include printers that can print beautiful photographs with ease. Here’s how to do it from an iPhone to your computer:

  • Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer.
  • Make sure your iPhone or Android is unlocked.
  • If prompted, tap “Trust This Computer” on your iPhone or Android.
  • On a Mac, open the Photos app.
  • On a Windows PC, open the Photos app or File Explorer.
  • On a Mac, click on “Import” in the Photos app and select the photos you want to transfer.
  • On a Windows PC, click “Import” in the Photos app, or copy and paste photos from File Explorer.

Printing photos

  • Make sure your printer is connected to your computer (via USB or network).
  • Open the photos you want to print on your computer.
  • On a Mac, go to “File”“Print” in the Photos app.
  • On a Windows PC, right-click the photo and select “Print” or use the print option in the Photos app.
  • Choose your printer and configure print settings (size, quality, etc.).
  • Click “Print” to start printing your photos.

Man transferring photos

A man transferring photos from his phone to his computer to print. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s exciting to see how both Android and iPhone have stepped up their game in mobile photography. With all the cool AI features and top-notch camera tech, taking amazing photos is a breeze. Plus, printing those memories is super easy now, whether you’re using a Wi-Fi printer, a portable one, or an online service.

What challenges have you faced while trying to capture or print your photos, and how did you overcome them? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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This wildfire evacuation alert accidentally went out to everyone in LA

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This wildfire evacuation alert accidentally went out to everyone in LA

After two days of dealing with wildfires that have burned thousands of acres, residents across Los Angeles County received a wildfire evacuation alert on Thursday afternoon that was a mistake. Shortly after, officials sent a follow-up alert saying that the notice was intended only for people near the Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills.

Los Angeles County shared a message on X explaining what happened: “An evacuation order for residents near the Kenneth Fire currently burning in West Hills was mistakenly issued Countywide. This alert was only intended for residents of Calabasas and Agoura Hills.”

CBS News quotes a local official who said that the alert, which included a broken URL, was sent “due to a technical error.”

This is the alert to disregard the other evacuation warning.
Image: The Verge

Many wildfires are burning in the LA area, and officials have confirmed at least six deaths, CNN reports. LA County has a population of nearly 10 million people, which is the “largest population of any county in the nation,” according to the county’s website.

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