The microwave may be getting its biggest upgrade in 50 years

The microwave may be getting its biggest upgrade in 50 years

IMAGE: FREESCALE

BY SAMANTHA MURPHY KELLY10 HOURS AGO

The microwave has been a household staple since its inception nearly 50 years ago, but hasn't seen much in innovation despite major tech breakthroughs.

It was only a matter of time before a company stepped in with a concept to fix a common problem: Leftovers are just not as good the next day.

SEE ALSO: The Internet of Things: Everything You Need to Know In 2 Minutes

The RF cooking concept from Freescale Semiconductor uses solid-state radio frequency (RF) technology to heat meals quickly without sacrificing taste.

For 30 Rock fans, it's essentially a smarter, real-life version of the Trivection oven that Jack Donaghy owes his success to in the pilot episode. (The Trivection oven was actually a real thing created by GE that blended radiant heat, convection and microwaves, but never took off.)

Freescale Semiconductor's appliance gives users much more control by allowing them to direct where, when and how much heating energy is directed onto food. According to the company, you'll be able to avoid overcooking and destroying nutrients often zapped in the microwave. It's also possible to cook food at different intensities and heat up multiple dishes at the same time in the same unit. It can bake, poach, sear, brown and crisp food, too.

If the device delivers on its promise, there could be one big takeaway: so long, soggy pizza.

If the device delivers on its promise, there could be one big takeaway: so long, soggy pizza. Leftovers could be just as tasty as they were the day before (and the day before that).

The RF cooking concept is connected to the Internet, so it can add and store recipes (or learn new ones) and adapt to consumer cooking preferences.

While the company hasn't revealed when or if this will officially go on sale — right now, the company is just testing the concept — a 21st century-inspired microwave is something we'd like to see happen.

(h/t ZDNet)

Blind Americans can now ‘see’ with a device that uses their tongues

Blind Americans can now ‘see’ with a device that uses their tongues

The three-part device BrainPort V100 will cost about $10,000.

IMAGE: WICAB VIA BLOOMBERG

MICHELLE CORTEZ for Bloomberg Business

1 day ago

 

A new device that helps the blind "see" by using their tongues has been approved by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration.

The BrainPort V100, cleared for 250,000 profoundly blind Americans without sensitivity to light, will cost about $10,000, said Robert Beckman, chief executive officer of closely held Wicab Inc.The three-part device captures images with a camera mounted on sunglasses, routes them through a hand-held controller and sends them to a 1-inch square device containing 400 electrical stimulation points that rests on the user's tongue.

"People are able to learn to interpret these patterns of bubbles or stimulation on their tongue to know what object is in front of them," Beckman said. "We don't want to create false hopes," he said. "They need to learn the technology and practice with it. It's more akin to learning a new language than it is to ordinary perception."

SEE ALSO: IMF warns no leeway on payment as Merkel urges Greece to bow

People using the BrainPort for the first time can often walk around an oval track, staying within the white lines without assistance, Beckman said. With additional training, they can navigate hallways, read short words such as EXIT, tell the difference between a ball and a banana, and eventually play darts, he said. The BrainPort was approved for use in Europe in 2013, according to the company's website.

"Medical device innovations like this have the potential to help millions of people," said William Maisel, deputy director for science at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "It is important we continue advancing device technology to help blind Americans live better, more independent lives."

Brain stimulation

Studies show that people who are blind perceive the electrical stimulation in their visual cortex, the part of the brain responsible for sight. People using the BrainPort who aren't visually impaired process it as tactile information, Beckman said.

Google Inc. and the U.S. Department of Defense helped fund the device's development. Wicab, based in Middleton, Wisconsin, licensed a patent on the device from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, a nonprofit patent and licensing organization for the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

SEE ALSO: Greece stumbling toward Euro exit as meeting ends in rancor

The company hopes to gain insurance reimbursement for the device, though it acknowledges that adoption of the technology may be slow going, especially at first.

"The reality is that most people who are profoundly blind are also quite poor," Beckman said. "It will take off slowly just because of blind people being so impoverished."

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5 crowd-pleasing punch recipes to bulk up your buzz

5 crowd-pleasing punch recipes to bulk up your buzz

IMAGE: MASHABLE, VICKY LETA

BY LAURA VITTOJUN 08, 2015

No party host wants to spend all night in the kitchen creating custom craft cocktails for each guest. In times like these, it's best to employ a punch, the tastiest — and arguably cheapest — option.

Mixologist Patrick Williams from Denver-based restaurant and entertainment company Punch Bowl Social is a huge proponent of properly brewed punch. This means developing recipes that feature the traditional five elements in a drink: sour, sweet, strong, weak and spice.

SEE ALSO: Cocktails 101: A simple guide to making mixed drinks

With these elements in mind, Williams develops recipes that create harmony between ingredients, creating a drink for your guests that isn't too strong or too sweet. Check out five of Williams' favorite punch creations, and consider one for your next boozy bash.

• 

  From Williams: "The malt notes from the scotch get cut nicely by the acidity of the apple liqueur and the slight bitterness of the blood orange juice."

  IMAGE: PATRICK WILLIAMS/MASHABLE, VICKY LETA

• 

  From Williams: "This is a feature at Punch Bowl Social’s Detroit location. This punch takes the botanical notes of the London Dry gin to the next level with lavender and cherry."

  IMAGE: PATRICK WILLIAMS/MASHABLE, VICKY LETA

• 

  From Williams: "A delicious bourbon punch, floral notes from the liqueur and fruit notes from the tea play well with the bourbon base."

  IMAGE: PATRICK WILLIAMS/MASHABLE, VICKY LETA

• 

  From Williams: "This is Punch Bowl Social’s most popular spring and summer time punch. Shrubs are basically vinegar infusions that help balance drinks with their acidity. The watermelon shrub and cardamom syrup come together to provide a really unique flavor combination."

  IMAGE: PATRICK WILLIAMS/MASHABLE, VICKY LETA

• 

  From Williams: "The richness of the 8-year-old rum plays well with the floral notes of the elderflower liqueur and lime juice pairs naturally."

  IMAGE: PATRICK WILLIAMS/MASHABLE, VICKY LETA

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15 edible plants you can grow in your tiny apartment

15 edible plants you can grow in your tiny apartment

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BY ANDREA ROMANO

Imagine rising with the sun and tending to your crops, all to the beat of morning traffic.

While growing plants in a busy city might seem like an impossible task, there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that can thrive in your urban space — no backyard required.

SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Make Your Own Urban Garden

City dwellers are used to improvising, so they can make the most of their living situation. Even when you live in a big city, you can still live on a farm.

• 1. Avocados

  

  Surprisingly, all you need for a brand new avocado is another avocado.

  Once you have removed the pit and rinsed it well, push three or four toothpicks into the base and suspend it in a glass of water with the pointed side up. Then, place it on a warm window sill and make sure it has plenty of water. In a few weeks, you should have a brand new tree that is ready for planting. Place the rooted seed in a pot and leave it in a sunny place, watering frequently, but lightly. Then guac at the fruits of your labor.

  More detailed directions can be found here.

  IMAGE: CORBIS SANDRA ROESCH/WESTEND61

• 2. Herbs

  

  Herbs are the easiest edible plants for apartment dwellers to harvest. Basil, rosemary, mint, ginger, cilantro and parsley are all viable options for foodies who don't want to pay top dollar for spices at the store. Most require little effort, just a sunny spot on your window sill or fire escape and regular watering.

  Different herbs have different care requirements, so research what you need before you plant.

  IMAGE: CORBIS RICH/SPLASH NEWS

• 3. Microgreens

  

  Microgreens are packed with healthy vitamins and can be used on a variety of dishes. They also happen to be incredibly easy to care for as well.

  Keep them in a shallow container and stash by a sunny spot, and you'll be sprinkling microgreens on your salad in no time.

  IMAGE: CORBIS DEBBIE NODA/MODESTO BEE/ZUMAPRESS.COM

• 4. Garlic Greens

  

  Garlic greens, similar to spring onions, thrive where garlic bulbs tend to fall short. A small, 4-inch pot and a discarded garlic clove is all you need to start growing at home.

• 5. Tomatoes

  

  Tomatoes can thrive in the garden or in pots -- wherever you can care for thembest. Choose a 6-inch (or larger) pot that you can keep in a warm area that gets about 12 hours of light per day.

  IMAGE: CORBIS WINFRIED ROTHERMEL/DPA

• 6. Lemons

  

  Small lemon trees, specifically Meyer lemon trees, can be beautiful and fragrant additions to your home -- as long your place gets tons of sunlight. Citrus can be temperamental, but rewarding if you know how to properly care for them. Most trees will need 8 to 12 hours of sunlight and moist air to thrive.

• 7. Salad Greens

  

  Never waste money on big, expensive bunches of romaine and spinach that will rot in the fridge a day later again. Now you can easily grow exactly what you need by getting a few, tiny starter plants and keep them in warm, moist soil that gets plenty of light.

  IMAGE: CORBIS LAURA STOLFI/WESTEND61

• 8. Mushrooms

  

  Normally, apartment dwellers would cringe at the thought of finding fungi in their home. However, there are some delicious, flavorful varieties that can be easy to grow if you have a place to care for them.

  You can even purchase a mushroom kit that allows you to grow them in a laundry basket.

• 9. Bell Peppers

  

  Bell peppers like consistency, and nothing is more consistent than an indoor garden.

  They may not be the best option for studio apartment renters or people with roommates though, as peppers require up to two gallons of soil to grow. If you have a spacious two-bedroom, however, taco night is on.

  IMAGE: CORBIS ED YOUNG

• 10. Carrots

  

  Carrots, like most root vegetables, make great additions to window boxes if you have a little room.

  In order to grow, carrots need a box about eight inches deep and wide, with holes for drainage. Once harvest rolls around, however, they'll be great in that fall stew.

  IMAGE: CORBIS INDEAVANMERLLIN/ROOM THE AGENCY

• 11. Radishes

  

  Radishes are healthy, perfect in salads and a quick harvest for busy apartment dwellers.

  Like many other root vegetables, they are relatively low maintenance as long as you give them a one gallon pot and the right amount of moisture to thrive in.

  IMAGE: CORBIS FRANK MAY/DPA

• 12. Oranges

  

  For that daily dose of vitamin C that won't take over your apartment, you can get a dwarf mandarin orange tree. Just like lemon trees, mandarin oranges need tons of sun and a spacious pot, but their soil should be allowed to dry between waterings.

  You should also harvest their fruit as soon as they turn vibrant orange for the best flavor.

  IMAGE: CORBIS OWEN FRANKEN

• 13. Green Beans

  

  As long as you keep your beans stable and supported, they can be great plants to grow. Use at least an eight inch container and place in a spot that gets about eight hours of sunlights per day.

• 14 . Kale

  

  Juicers, rejoice! You actually can grow your own kale at home, saving your tons of money at the grocery store and the juice bar.

  Make sure you give them a little space, by planting your kale in six square inch pots.

  IMAGE: CORBIS RICHARD T. NOWITZ

• 15. Scallions

  

  Scallions are one of those special plants that you can buy once and never again. Chop off the green top for your dish, save the rest by placing the white bottoms in a small cup of water and place in a sunny window sill. You should have new, edible greens in a couple days.

Use this trick to clean tile grout way faster

Use this trick to clean tile grout way faster

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BY MASHABLE VIDEO

Tripp & Tyler Life Hack #005: Here's an easy trick for cleaning tile grout with a few simple household items.

Comedy duo Tripp and Tyler of The Tripp and Tyler Show, formerly known as “Don’t Be That Guy,” have a bunch of time-saving life hacks — which include packing tips (watch above).

SEE ALSO: Get Pringles out of the tube perfectly every time

“The reason we created this show is because we want to make your life better,” Tyler said. “It's that simple.” Mashable has teamed up with Above Average to feature short clips from The Tripp and Tyler Show YouTube channel, which has more than 160,000 subscribers. In their latest episode they discuss all there is to know about movie watching etiquette.

Got a Sharpie? Make gorgeous painted grill plates for your favorite foodie dad

Got a Sharpie? Make gorgeous painted grill plates for your favorite foodie dad

BY ANDREA ROMANO AND LILI SAMS

11 hours ago

Any good grill master needs the best tools.

Your foodie dad loves summer. Not just because of the warm weather, but the delicious grilling opportunities he can finally seize in the back yard.

SEE ALSO: 11 DIY Father's Day Gifts That Are Way Better Than a Tie

A fancy, DIY grill plate adds a personal touch to barbecues, which makes for the perfect Father's Day gift. He has enough ties and wallets anyway.

IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS

Materials:

A porcelain plate of any size or shape.*

Oil-based Sharpie paint pens, or porcelain pens

A pencil (optional)

*A flat plate without any grooves or other design elements is best.

Step One:

Make sure your plate is nice and clean before you start. Use a pencil to plan out your design.

Step Two:

IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS

IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS

Once you've got the design, it's time to paint. You can keep it simple with a nice message or use a lot of colors — whichever reflects your dad's unique personality.

Step Three:

Allow the plate to dry for a full 24 hours.

This is a major trick for those who have tried Sharpie mugs with disappointing results. Using oil-based pens and allowing plenty of drying time before baking will add to your plate's longevity — even when it's washed.

Step Four:

IMAGE: MASHABLE, LILI SAMS

Bake your plate for 35 minutes at 300 degrees Farenheit.

Step Five:

Give it to dear ol' dad so he can enjoy it all summer long.

IMAGE: MASHABLE