An American entrepreneur has developed the innovative "Kanso" hand towel that cleans itself to need significantly less washing than standard hand towels. The correspondingly lower water and electricity consumption makes the hand towel environmentally-friendly and cost efficient. The basic material consists of bamboo so that the hand towel is very soft and faster drying than a conventional towel. Polygenic silver ions are also worked into it to provide it with a cleaning effect. These can remove 99% of all bacteria and fungi, and are already used by companies such as Adidas and Patagonia.

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have created the first battery based on fluoride that can be used at room temperature. This aims to make it possible for smartphones to require charging only once a week. In contrast to lithium, fluoride's high atomic mass allows it to create not positively but negatively charged ions to produce electricity and it thereby works more efficiently. The flow of ions at low temperatures is made possible through the use of a special electrolyte concentration.

PayPal has introduced a blockchain-based reward system for its employees that allows them to earn tokens for taking part in innovation-related programs and for proposing ideas. The tokens are only valid at PayPal and can be traded among staff via a public account. Staff can view and comment on all activities connected to innovations on the token website. Collected tokens can also be exchanged on the platform for over 100 offers available.

Google has launched a campaign in the USA and Canada for the four-part documentary series about the pop singer Ariana Grande called "Ariana Grande: Dangerous Woman Diaries". The series will be available on Google's YouTube channel. Fans can scan posters for the series with their smartphones to access digital content such as wallpaper pictures for their phones. To find the locations of the posters on an interactive map, fans have to open the website dangerouswomandiaries.com with a mobile browser.

The start-up Firefly has developed an advertising platform that connects brands, ridesharing drivers and local city management authorities. Ridesharing drivers can install a digital smart screen in their vehicle to improve their revenues. The technology allows advertisers to display the right message and the right time for effective campaign performance and customer loyalty. Local brand advertisers, small companies and charity organisations can be promoted and city management authorities can obtain relevant smart city data.