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Fraunhofer Institute develops fruit sniffer/sniffing device using metal oxide sensors
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Fraunhofer Institute develops fruit sniffer/sniffing device using metal oxide sensors

Posted: 05 Aug 2009 01:00 PM PDT

Fruit Sniffer Device (Uses Metal Oxide Sensors)

Researchers over at the Fraunhofer Institutes for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME in Schmallenberg and for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM in Freiburg (Germany) have developed a fruit sniffing/fruit sniffer device which is able to detect if a particular fruit is ready to be consumed.

The device uses metal oxide sensors in order to detect the ripeness of the fruit. The fruit sniffer will supposedly fetch for a four-digit dollar price and will be marketed to supermarket suppliers.

The researchers are also trying to find out if they can use a simliar technology to inspect pork:

The researchers are also investigating whether the equipment could be used to test pork. The male pig produces hormones and certain odorous substances necessary for reproduction. What the female pig finds attractive, however, smells anything but pleasant to human noses. It’s true that most pigs are slaughtered well before sexual maturity – before any odorous substances have formed in the majority of pigs. As there is the risk, however, that some boars could produce odorous substances prematurely, all boars are castrated when they are young piglets. Castration may not be necessary in the future if the pork could be tested on-line before it is packaged.

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T-mobile myTouch 3G launches today, August 5th 2009

Posted: 05 Aug 2009 08:15 AM PDT

T-Mobile myTouch 3G (Quick Guide)

T-Mobile’s myTouch 3G is available starting today at T-Mobile retail, partner locations and also at http://www.t-mobilemytouch.com.

"myTouch 3G can be personalized to wholly reflect your individuality, pride and passion, making it '100% you,'" said Denny Marie Post, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. "We'll help this come to life from the get-go at our retail stores, where unique sample personas will be displayed to illustrate some of the many customization options. Also, our skilled myTouch 3G Retail Champions will learn about our customers' interests and needs to make sure they're suited to make their myTouch unlike any other."

The myTouch 3G, designed by HTC for T-Mobile, is available for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement. The device will be available in three colors: white, merlot and black.

T-Mobile myTouch 3G Colors (White, Merlot, Black)