Geek Weekly: Our top weird tech stories for 25 August 2015

Technology Decisions’ weekly wrap of IT fails, latest tech, new must-have gadgets, ‘computer says no’ moments and more.

iPhone charger is a gas! A UK company has come up with a tiny hydrogen-powered battery that can power an Apple iPhone 6 for up to seven days. The prototype uses a small reservoir of gas, but production models would use a gas-emitting powder in disposable cartridges. But seven days of battery power? Big deal. The battery in my old Nokia lasts as long as that.

Crashless computer. MIT researchers have developed a hard disk file system which, they say, will not lose data during a system crash. Using a concept known as ‘formal verification’, the scientists have worked out how to mathematically guarantee not to lose track of data during crashes.

Computer delivery. An uncrewed Japanese cargo craft has docked at the International Space Station, carrying several tonnes of supplies and equipment, including about 50 kg of computer gear. Oh, and some grog from Japanese distiller Suntory. But don’t think the astronauts will be going on a drinking binge — no, those Suntory samples are purely there to see how being in space affects their ‘mellowness’. Right.

IT health check. A government health department computer system in British Columbia, Canada, is reportedly “five years late, 420 per cent over budget and so inefficient and possibly even outdated that it requires an extra $14 million in annual maintenance”. The Panorama system was designed to keep track of infectious diseases, and was begun following the SARS outbreak in 2003.

Unleash your inner geek. Finally, check out the insane flying skills of this amazing RC helicopter pilot. Talk about defying gravity.