BBC Knowledge April 2017

WHEEL-Y

CLEVER

ROOL’IN E-SUNNY

Electric bicycles are increasingly popular,

but they’re expensive. This new invention

from French start-up Rool’in, on the other hand,

lets you convert almost any bike into an electric

one simply by changing a wheel! It’s equipped

with photovoltaic cells that’ll provide enough

electricity to power you along for up to 30km,

while an accompanying smartphone

lets you choose your ’assistance level’

and provides data on distance travelled,

average speed and so on

(www.rool-in.com/uk).

IS IT A PLANE?

NO, IT’S...

X PL USONE

This hybrid drone combines four sets

of blades (as found on a quadcopter)

with a ’flying wing’ design, meaning you

get the high speeds possible with the latter,

combined with the vertical take-off and landing

and hovering capabilities of the former. It comes

with a handheld controller but can also be flown

using a smartphone or tablet, has a top speed

of 100km/h (60mph) and, naturally, is built

to carry a GoPro or other action camera

($ 495 – $ 895; http://www.xcraft.io).

DUDE,

WHERE’S

MY CAR?

CARIBOO

Plug this nifty little device into your car’s

cigarette lighter, and you’ll never forget where

you parked your motor again – it’s linked

to an iOS/Android app that’ll show you exactly

where you left it. It can also alert you if anyone

other than yourself (or another designated

driver) attempts to drive your car, can send

details of your precise location to friends,

and provides statistical feedback on your

driving habits (€ 99; http://www.my-cariboo.com).

| CES 2017

INNOVATIONS

26 32 April 2017April 2017