News Headlines - 08 July 2014

▽Japan braces for worst storm in years as typhoon Neoguri approaches | theguardian.com

Japan's southern islands are braced for one of the country's worst storms for years as typhoon Neoguri approaches Okinawa, with almost half a million people advised to evacuate and power cuts in more than 50,000 homes.

▽BBC News - Hamas fires rockets at Israeli cities after Gaza offensive

Palestinian militants have fired more rockets at Israeli cities after the start of a major air and sea offensive by Israel in the Gaza Strip.

▽Samsung, Dell and Intel to Create New 'Internet of Things' Standard

Major manufactures such as Samsung, Dell and Intel are joining forces to create an industry standard for the way smart home gadgets like thermostats and refrigerators communicate with each other, as a part of the so-called Internet of Things.
Called the Open Interconnect Consortium, it will go head to head with the AllSeen Alliance, an existing initiative backed by 51 consumer-electronics and software applications, including Microsoft, LG, Panasonic, Sharp and Qualcomm. The OIC will also take on a vendor-neutral approach with the help of open-source software and collaboration development.

▽A source of the most powerful cosmic rays? | Astronomy.com

An observatory run by the University of Utah in Salt Lake City found a “hotspot” beneath the Big Dipper that emits a disproportionate number of highest-energy cosmic rays. The discovery moves physics another step toward identifying the mysterious sources of the most energetic particles in the universe. “This puts us closer to finding out the sources — but no cigar yet,” said Gordon Thomson from the University of Utah.

▽Highlights, 2014 FIFA World Cup Semifinal: Brazil 1-7 Germany | Soccerlens

Brazil have suffered a drubbing defeat at the hands of Germany as the European side registered a 7- crushing victory over the host nation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.