Monday, May 05, 2014

drag2share: IBM's Watson supercomputer can help settle your debates

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/05/ibm-watson-debater-mode/

IBM Watson has a beef with you

IBM's Watson supercomputer is already good at finding answers to tough questions, but it's going one step further: it can now argue an issue when there's no clear answer. A new Debater feature lets the machine take a given topic, scan for relevant articles, and automatically deduce the pros and cons based on the context and language of any claims. In a demo, Watson took 45 seconds to scour millions of Wikipedia articles and make cases both for and against limiting access to violent video games. It's likely that many people would take much longer, even if they're well-informed on the subject.

The Debater technology isn't so sophisticated that Watson will make a judgment call -- much to the relief of some, that's still up to humans. However, it should be useful for organizations that want to make decisions based on impartial reasoning. IBM noted in its demo (at the 45:25 mark in the video below) that doctors could use the artificial intelligence to shape policies on sensitive topics, for example. While it's doubtful that we'll see many institutions using a computer as their sole guide, the breakthrough could avoid quite a few unnecessary shouting matches.

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Via: Yahoo Finance

Source: Kurzweil Accelerating Intelligence

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Article: Sphero And Ollie Robotic Toy Maker Orbotix Has Raised Another $20M, Say Sources

Orbotix, the company that makes fast-moving, robotic toys that you control with smartphone apps, has raised another $20 million in funding, TechCrunch has learned and confirmed with a reliable source. This brings the total raised by maker of the popular Sphero ball to $35 million, as it gears up ...

http://techcrunch.com/2014/05/02/sphero-and-ollie-robotic-toy-maker-orbotix-has-raised-another-20m-say-sources/?ncid=rss

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Article: Good news, Google Now is now less dependent on an internet connection

Driving through a tunnel, hiking on a mountain, riding the subway, or just enjoying a beer in an underground pub. These are all situations when you might not have an internet connection, thus making it impossible to check your helpful virtual assistant Google Now. But that's changing with the lat...

http://www.androidauthority.com/google-now-no-internet-connection-376262/

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Article: Don't Buy A Smartphone Before May 27th: LG's Next Handset Could Be A Dark Horse

Indecisive phone buyers can only procrastinate for so long, and after a busy month of phone launches many will feel that they're approaching crunch time. Indeed, if you read my last post on this subject, then you'll know that I've personally already made my mind up as to which is best among the t...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/sharifsakr/2014/05/01/lg-g3-smartphone-and-g-watch-smartwatch/

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Article: How can we trust the internet of things?

The internet of things (IoT) promises us a world of intelligent fridges that automatically order groceries from the supermarket, smartwatches that relay our blood pressure to the doctor, and connected ovens that preheat when they see that we've left work. But amid all the breathless speculation a...

http://gigaom.com/2014/05/04/how-can-we-trust-the-internet-of-things/

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drag2share: HTC One Mini 2 leak reveals no depth-sensing camera

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/05/htc-one-mini-2-image-leak/

When a Swedish carrier leaked the existence of an HTC One Mini 2, we weren't exactly shocked, given the timing of the original One Mini's arrival. We now have alleged pictures of said device courtesy of @evleaks and it fails to surprise in appearance either, looking nearly like its bigger sibling. However, judging by the render, the One Mini 2 (yes, that's apparently the name) lacks the HTC One M8's depth-sensing Duo Camera -- meaning it'll lack selective focus and other fancy effects. While there are three color choices (white, gray and champagne), no other features or specs are mentioned. However, prior leaks suggest a 4.5-inch, 720p screen, microSD slot and quad-core Snapdragon 400 CPU. Oddly, this image leak doesn't line up with another supposed press render from a few days ago, so we'd counsel skepticism until it's officially launched.

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Source: @evleaks

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Sunday, May 04, 2014

drag2share: Windows 8 users can now pilot their AR.Drone 2.0 with official AR.FreeFlight app

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/03/windows-8-ar-drone-2-0/

Drones. If they're going to become the true public nuisance that we're lead to believe they will, then we're gonna need more ways to get 'em airborne, right? If you're UAV of choice is Parrot's AR.Drone 2.0, and you're also a Windows 8 user, then you need to be all over AR.FreeFlight -- an official app for the aforementioned drone. Dig out your Surface tablet, and you can pilot your quadcopter, and record video/take pictures just as owners of Android and iOS devices have been enjoying already. Think a phone makes more sense for this? Don't worry, Parrot's reportedly got an app for the smaller devices in the works too (and developers can sneak a look here). Get your wings down at the source link.

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Via: WPCentral

Source: Microsoft

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drag2share: Google Drive to lose document editing, prompt downloads of Docs and Sheets apps

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/04/google-drive-no-doc-editing/

Looks like the new Docs and Sheets apps were harbingers of changes for Google Drive. The good folks at Android Police parsed Drive's new, currently unreleased version and discovered that it no longer has document or sheet editing capabilities. Should you try to make changes, the app prompts you to download the appropriate app to do so. Choose not to download and attempt to open a file, and you'll be greeted by a view-only mode. While users may be a bit miffed at being force-fed a pair of new apps, it may prove beneficial. Separating the doc editing and cloud storage components will (presumably) let Google streamline the experience for each and give you option to download only the apps you need.

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Source: Android Police

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Friday, May 02, 2014

drag2share: A New Silicon Valley Hotel Has A Stunning Light Show Powered By Data

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/epiphany-hotel-light-show-2014-5

This light installation is a stunning new way to look at data. 

Project Edison, which was designed by a group of engineers from the IDEO Digital Shop, features a set of 100 light bulbs that can light up or move up and down according to any data stream you choose. The interactive chandelier was recently installed in the lobby at the Epiphany, a new Joie de Vivre hotel in Palo Alto. 

The light bulbs can be programmed to reflect any set of information, including the weather in Palo Alto or mentions of the hotel on Facebook and Twitter. epiphany hotel lightEach of the 100 bulbs can move down from the ceiling and light up independently. epiphany light showIt can also be programmed to mimic the physical movements of the hotel's guests, lighting up when the bar and restaurant filled with people, for instance. epiphany hotel lightThe constantly changing nature of this high-tech installation is meant to be a reflection of Silicon Valley as a whole. 

"We didn’t want to create something that would be static," IDEO design lead Brad Simpson said to Wired. "In three years, regardless of whatever’s happening in the world from a data standpoint or a technology standpoint, this is something that hopefully can evolve and grow with that."

Watch the video below to learn more ! about th e IDEO engineers' design process. 

SEE ALSO: This Is What The Kitchen Of The Future Could Look Like

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drag2share: Speed Up Firefox By Enabling Its New HTTP Cache

Source: http://lifehacker.com/speed-up-firefox-by-enabling-its-new-http-cache-1570488335

Speed Up Firefox By Enabling Its New HTTP Cache

If Firefox has been feeling sluggish for you lately, you might be able to cut down on some of those UI hangs with an about:config tweak.

The Mozilla team is working on a number of performance tweaks for upcoming versions of Firefox, one of which is the use of a new HTTP cache that should fix some UI hang issues. It isn't enabled by default yet, but will be soon—and you can enable it right now with an about:config tweak. To do so:

  1. Enter about:config into Firefox's address bar and press Enter.
  2. Search for the browser.cache.use_new_backend flag and double-click on it.
  3. Change its value from 0 to 1 to enable the new cache. (You can flip it back at any time by changing it back to 0).
  4. Close about:config and continue browsing—no need to restart or anything.

I enabled it and while it hasn't been a silver bullet, it seems to have helped decrease the number of times the browser screeches to a halt. Check out the link below for more info, and while you're digging around in about:config, check out some of our other favorite tweaks.

Mozilla Firefox New HTTP Cache Is Live! | Mayhemer's Blog via @tarasglek

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drag2share: Millions of these robotic bees may roam the world in the near future

Source: http://sploid.gizmodo.com/these-are-the-robotic-bees-of-the-future-1570332550/+caseychan

Millions of these robotic bees may roam the world in the near future

This science-fiction infomercial was made to raise awareness of the fact that bees—which are crucial for the survival of all species, including ours*—are dying all around the world. The fact is that this video isn't too far from the truth: bees may go extinct if we don't act promptly and scientists are already working on robotic replacements.

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drag2share: Commercial Beekeeping and the Rise of Bee Thieves

Source: http://gizmodo.com/commercial-beekeeping-and-the-rise-of-bee-thieves-1570529274

Commercial Beekeeping and the Rise of Bee Thieves

Every spring, bees all over the country make a long, artificial migration to California by truck. Renting out bees to pollinate almond trees has become a big business with the explosive growth in California's almond industry . Where there is money, of course, there are thieves.

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drag2share: These 3D sand drawings create fun trippy illusions on the beach

Source: http://sploid.gizmodo.com/these-3d-sand-drawings-create-fun-trippy-illusions-on-t-1570652745/+caseychan

These 3D sand drawings create fun trippy illusions on the beach

Some people go to the beach to take a dip in the water and get some sun. Jamie Harkins goes to the beach to take a journey to another world. Harkins is a fantastic artist who transforms a beach into alternate realities by creating 3D sand art. Sometimes his art looks like people are sailing in the lake, other times they're skating or diving or inside a robot. I want to go to the beach with him.

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drag2share: Groupon Basics offers deals for bulk shopping at home

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/01/groupon-basics/

Groupon has tackled localized offers and sorted reservations, so now the deals site is looking to offer discounts for those who shop in bulk. The new effort -- appropriately called Basics -- allows you to stock up on over 100 household, hygiene and health products from companies like Gillette, Dove and Burt's Bees. To sweeten the deal(s), all purchases made through the new channel will earn 5 percent back in Groupon Bucks for future use. Right now, the service is only available in the continental US, but carts that tally over $25 will ship for free. As you might expect, options are a bit limited at launch, but the company says more options are on the way -- including grocery items. If you're anxious to get shopping, don't let us hold you up any longer. You can started browsing right here.

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Source: Groupon Basics (Bunsiness Wire)

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drag2share: Tablet demand hits a wall as many are happy with the devices they own

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/01/tablet-market-share-q1-2014/

Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 tablet

It looks like Apple wasn't the only tech firm to see its tablet business take a hit this winter; according to IDC, others suffered a similar fate. The analyst group estimates that overall tablet shipments grew just 3.9 percent year-over-year in the first quarter, a sharp contrast with the breakneck pace of the past few years. Amazon took a particularly severe blow, as its shipments dropped almost 50 percent. So what prompted the suddenly chilly market? If you believe researchers, many are happy with the devices they've got -- they either have a good-enough tablet or a big-screen smartphone that will do in a pinch. Simply put, there was no compelling reason to splurge on something new.

It wasn't all doom and gloom. Samsung's shipments grew by a third, in part because it encouraged carriers to bundle cellular tablets with smartphones. Lenovo's success with slates also continued unabated. While it's still relatively small in this field compared to Apple or Samsung, its unit numbers more than tripled in the past year thanks to hits like the Yoga Tablet. These are shipments and not sales, so they don't tell a complete story -- Apple claims that pent-up iPad mini demand skewed its figures last year, for instance. Even with that in mind, it's evident that tablet makers will have to fight harder to capture people's attention.

IDC's tablet market share estimates for Q1 2014

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Source: IDC

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