Hackers Wirelessly Control a Jeep

Two years ago, hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek took control of a car while sitting in its backseat—all through their laptops that had been hard-wired into the vehicle. Since then, Miller and Valasek have turned their attention to the Jeep Cherokee, focusing on hacking the car’s internet-connected control system—this time remotely. To prove how vulnerable smart cars are to online attacks, the hacker duo …

A Robot-Run Hotel Opens in Japan

While other hotels boast about their abundant amenities, prime location and luxurious rooms, Japan’s Henn-na hotel stakes its claim as a leader in efficiency. The recently opened hotel in Huis Ten Bosch—a Dutch-inspired theme-park located in Nagasaki—aims to reduce electricity usage and waste through eight core design concepts. This includes motion-sensing lights, a cutting-edge “radiant panel” air conditioning system and a staff of friendly robots. …

Weed Breathalyzers in the Works

A company called Cannabix Technologies is developing a weed breathalyzer to keep up with the increased legalization of marijuana—and drivers that may be too stoned to drive. Current prototypes can detect Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the cannabinoid that provides a high—up to two hours after consumption. Right now, the device is only set to report a “Yes” or “No” to the presence of the drug, but as states …