【推荐1】More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight and half of them are trying to lose weight. According to a recent study, led by Evan Forman, a psychology professor from Drexel University, a smartphone app called OnTrack can predict ahead of time when users are likely to lapse in their weight loss plans and help them stay on track.

People on weight loss plans often experience lapses, which can prevent successful weight loss or even lead to weight regain, according to Forman. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the app among weight loss program participants and individuals attempting to follow an online weight management plan from Weight Watchers for eight weeks.

OnTrack uses advanced statistical methods — machine learning — to learn over time a user’s individual patterns of eating. Specifically, it learns patterns that are predictive of staying on one's weight loss plan and patterns that are predictive or lapsing from one's plan. When the app detects the risk of lapsing is high, it sends a special coaching message that matches the reasons someone is at risk. For example, the app can predict a person is eating late at night because of being bored at home with tempting food. The predictions get better over time as the app learns a user's behavioral patterns.

According to Forman, over the course of the study, participants averaged a 3.13 percent weight loss and reduction in unplanned lapses. The next step is clinical trial to confirm the apps ability as a weight loss tool.

【推荐2】Apple users who were easily upset about handing over their fingerprints now face an even more personal proposition (议题): unlocking their smart-phones with their faces. With Face ID, an iPhone X user simply holds up the device and it recognizes his or her face. “Nothing has ever been simpler, more natural and effortless,” said Phil Schiller. “Face ID is the future of how we unlock our smart-phones and protect our sensitive information.” It is convenient but perhaps a bit horrible.

The system relies on an advanced set of tech packed into the front of the new phone. The dot projector sends out more than 30,000 invisible infrared (红外线) dots, and the infrared camera seizes an image. Apple uses the infrared image and dot pattern and pushes them through neural(神经) networks to create a mathematical model of your face, and then it checks that mathematical model against a stored image seized earlier. Once it detects a match, the phone unlocks. Schiller said Apple took more than a billion images and multiple neural networks to create Face ID. iPhone X will come with an All bionic neural engine to process faces.To set it up, hold your iPhone X in front of your face and move your head slowly around. That will become the stored version on your phone.

Face ID is advanced enough to work in the dark, and to learn your face under different circumstances -- so go ahead and wear those fashionable glasses or grow that fashionable beard. Schiller said Apple also worked hard to ensure the technology can’t be easily tricked by things like photographs. “They’ve even gone and worked with professional mask makers and makeup artists in Hollywood to protect against these attempts to beat Face ID,” he said. The tech also requires users’ attention to unlock -- your eyes have to be open, and you can't be looking away, meaning your device should remain safe even if you’re asleep.