Dr. Augustine Fou's Online Scrapbook

Monday, May 13, 2013

Bloomberg Reporters Were Taught About The Power Of Using The Terminal In The Wake Of The Jerry Sandusky Scandal

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/bloomberg-terminal-reporting-2013-5

jerry sandusky

Everyone on Wall Street has been talking about how Bloomberg News reporters used private user data from Bloomberg Terminals to essentially spy on employees at JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs.

This all came to light after an unidentified Bloomberg reporter pointed out to Goldman that a partner had not used his terminal in an unusually long period of time and inquired if he left the bank, the New York Post reported.

If you're not already familiar with them, a Bloomberg Terminal is a computer that's targeted toward financial professionals so they can message other users, obtain real-time market data, news, and stock quotes among many other functions.

The terminal, which costs about $20,000 per subscription, is a powerful tool for finance professionals. It's also a big money maker for Bloomberg LP with more than 300,000 terminals being used globally.

The power of the terminal was also emphasized among Bloomberg reporters for informing coverage of their stories.

According to a source familiar with the situation, reporters at Bloomberg were brought into a meeting back in 2011 to learn how to better use the terminal to find sources for their stories.

We're told this particular meeting happened around the time of the arrest of Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State football coach who had been charged and later convicted with sexually assaulting several ! boys. &n bsp;

The source said they used Sandusky as an example at the meeting of how you could look up people who went to Penn State and if they played football while he was a coach. Managers emphasized that Bloomberg was the "original Facebook."

Terminals are a great resource for looking up sources, especially in finance. Bloomberg users have profiles set up pretty much like a social network. Some people add their photo, their interests, where they went to school and previous organizations where they worked.

What's more is those reporters with access to terminals could then send messages and/or chat with potential sources on the terminal's instant messaging system.

We're told it was common practice among Bloomberg reporters to use terminals for reporting purposes, including the private client information.

Bloomberg has now restricted reporter access to private client information on the terminals after Goldman complained.

Bloomberg's CEO Daniel Doctoroff said in a statement it was a mistake to let their reporters have access to this private client information. Editor-In-Chief Matthew Winkler also issued an apology.

Please follow Clusterstock on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

Article: Microsoft: Chrome Extension, Firefox Add-on Hijack Facebook Accounts

Microsoft has discovered a new piece of malware in the form of a Google Chrome extension and Firefox add-on that can hijack Facebook accounts. It does not appear that there are equivalent plugins for Internet Explorer nor Safari.

The threat, detected by Microsoft as Trojan:JS/Febipos.A, was fir...

http://thenextweb.com/facebook/2013/05/13/microsoft-warns-users-of-new-malicious-chrome-extension-and-firefox-add-on-that-hijack-facebook-accounts/

Sent via Flipboard

Use a DIY macro lens to get that close up photo with your phone

Source: http://hackerspace.lifehacker.com/use-a-diy-macro-lens-to-get-that-close-up-photo-with-yo-498083149

Getting your phone to take macro pictures by MacGyvering an external lens has been covered before several times at lifehacker by Whitson Gordon and Jason Fitzpatrick. User ASCAS posted his tutorial on Instructables, its pretty ingenious, and deserves a close look.

What makes this hack so unique is that the lens includes its own lens holder and the Images are so clear. To make the lens, you measure the size of the camera bulge on your phone using a circle ruler, then transfer your measurements to the LED lens holder. Trim to the resultant circle on the holder so it won't bulge out. Finally, cut some double sided adhesive to attach the lens holder to the phone and snap in the lens and volla!

Follow the link below to see the full DIY.

Here is the full DIY for making a high quality macro lens for your phone.

ASCAS via Instructables

Sand Can Light Up A Room

Source: http://gizmodo.com/sand-can-light-up-a-room-503861239

LED lightbulbs are already energy efficient, but they would be even better if they could emit light without connecting to the grid at all. Brooklyn-based designer Danielle Trofe is trying to make that happen.

Trofe created two designs for this month's Wanted Design 2013. Both are hourglasses that use the kinetic energy of falling sand to power a light bulb. One model is a sort of torch/flashlight-type situation, and the other is a flippable stool. It's a small step, but at least now you'll have enough light and a place to sit while you watch the environmental collapse of our planet. [Inhabitat]

Mad Genius' Motion Capture System brings Sony's break-apart controller idea to life, and then some

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/12/mad-genius-controllers-motion-capture-system/

Remember that break-apart DualShock 3 idea for motion control Sony had five years ago? A new company named Mad Genius Controllers has surfaced with a working prototype that shows such a contraption working in spades. The setup uses a splittable controller and a processing unit to enable seamless motion control and spacial tracking on any title and system. Because Mad Genius doesn't use any accelerometers or cameras like the current consoles, its creator notes that accuracy of up to 1/100th of an inch is possible.

In a video demo with an Xbox 360 version of Skyrim and a modified Xbox gamepad, certain gestures and movements even automate menu selections like a macro. One instance shows the controller being split and held like bow and arrow, highlighting that both sides are tracked in relation to each other -- not to mention that the in-game character's weapon automatically changes without any menu-digging by the user. The current version is merely a wired proof-of-concept, but Mad Genius plans to eventually make it wireless and hit Kickstarter for funding. In the meantime, you can build up anticipation for yourself by checking out the nearly 10-minute long video demo after the break. All that's left is the inevitable Oculus Rift tie-in (like we've just done with this post).

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Source: Mad Genius Controllers (YouTube)

Sony Xperia ZR announced, allows underwater photography up to five feet of depth (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/13/sony-xperia-zr-launched-waterproof/

Sony's ratcheted up its water-resistant device tech a notch with the launch of the Xperia ZR, a new 4.6-inch, 720p Android smartphone that's waterproof to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Sony boasts that its new device will let you film your snorkeling adventures in full HD quality, with HDR in both video or 13-megapixel stills thanks to the Exmor RS image sensor -- there's also a dedicated camera button like the one on the Xperia ZL. The handset packs a Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core 1.5GH CPU, 2GB RAM, LTE, NFC, Sony's Walkman album and movie apps and a notable OptiContrast OLED screen with Bravia tech to reduce glare "even in bright sunlight." There's no word yet on pricing or availability, but as soon as we hear more, we'll try to prep you ahead of that next beach-bound holiday. Meanwhile, you can check the galleries, PR and video after the break for more.

Update: As Xperia Blog found out, the Xperia ZR is actually the international version of Japan's upcoming Xperia A SO-04E -- the one we saw popping up in the FCC database.

Gallery: Sony Xperia ZR

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Sony

Source: Sony (Facebook)

Canon 5D Mark III now captures 24 fps RAW video thanks to Magic Lantern firmware add-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/13/canon-5d-mark-iii-now-captures-24fps-raw-video-magic-latern/

It's no secret that Canon's 5D Mark III is the go-to DSLR for videographers the world over, but things are about to become a whole lot more interesting. The people behind Magic Lantern have successfully coaxed the 5D Mark III into shooting 24 fps RAW video at resolutions up to 1,920 x 820 pixels using 1000x speed cards. If you're not familiar with Magic Lantern, it's an open source firmware add-on that brings additional functionality to Canon EOS cameras. The ability to capture RAW video at 24 fps improves dynamic range and resolution -- it also provides extra flexibility during post-production. According to the team at Magic Lantern, more work is required before the feature is ready to be deployed. So until then, you're invited to follow the link below and watch the RAW vs. H.264 videos after the break.

Filed under: Cameras, Canon

Source: Nofilmschool

Sony reveals prototype 13.3-inch e-ink slate with stylus, aims to put it in students' bags

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/13/sony-13.3-inch-prototype-e-paper-tablet/

Sony's no stranger to the odd e-ink device, but its latest prototype creation isn't targeted at the bookworm, it's intended to educate. The e-paper slate is quite a lot bigger than most tablets, let alone e-readers, sporting a 13.3-inch screen (1,200 x 1,600) to match the standard A4 size of normal, boring paper. That display is also an electromagnetic induction touchscreen for poking at menus and scrolling, but more importantly, it supports stylus input for scrawling notes and annotating PDFs (the only file format it currently supports). The prototype device is also only 6.8mm (0.27 inch) thick and weighs 385g (13.6 ounces) -- perfect for slipping into school bags. There's 4GB of on-board storage (with a microSD slot to increase that) and WiFi, which Sony plans to use for sharing notes with those who didn't make it to class on time. With WiFi off, the rechargeable battery inside is expected to last for three weeks of solid learning. These specs are for the prototype, of course, so after the late-2013 field trials at three Japanese universities, we might see some revisions before commercialization goes ahead sometime during the 2013 fiscal year.

Filed under: Sony

Source: Sony (Japanese)

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Article: This startup has now raised $1.1 billion

Silicon Valley venture capitalists like to crow that it's now cheaper than ever to establish a startup company. While that may be true for internet firms, the amount of money required to fund a Silicon Valley green tech startup can be mind-boggling.

Case in point is fuel cell maker Bloom Energy...

http://qz.com /83730/startup-bloom-energy-has-now-raised-1-1-billion

Sent via Flipboard

Friday, May 10, 2013

Nokia announces the Lumia 928: 4.5-inch OLED display, OIS camera, available May 16th for $100 (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/10/nokia-lumia-928/

If you've heard enough of Nokia's near future plans for its Lumia range, sorry -- there's more. While the company's official event isn't until next Tuesday in London, that hasn't stopped it from announcing the Lumia 928 on Verizon. Again. Nokia's latest installment supplants the Lumia 822 and HTC's 8X for the US carrier, matching the camera specifications (Carl Zeiss f/2.0 lens, 8.7-megapixel sensor) we saw in the Lumia 920 and pairing it all with a potent xenon flash. There's also high-amp mics and a 4.5-inch OLED (1,280 x 768) display protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass. Inside, you'll find a capable 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 2,000mAH battery and 32GB of storage for all those low-blur photos. As for the phone itself, compared to the bright (admittedly chunky) looks of its predecessor, we're looking at a toned-down refresh, in black and white options, with a more squared design aiming to complement those Windows Phone Live Tiles.

Contactless charging and NFC are both built in, as are all those extra Nokia software additions, including Here maps and Nokia Music. It'll launch in the US on May 16th, priced at $99.99 with a mail-in rebate, while you'll also pick up $25 of credit for Windows Phone apps and games if you decide to sign up. Nokia's got an officially sanctioned hands-on after the break -- expect to see our opinions on it next week.

Gallery: Nokia Lumia 928 for Verizon press shots

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Nokia

Source: Nokia Conversations, Verizon

Samsung SM-C1010 hits Bluetooth SIG, rumored to be next Galaxy Camera

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/10/samsung-SM-C1010-bluetooth-sig/

Slapping Android on a point-and-shoot worked surprisingly well for Samsung with the Galaxy Camera, but the device did have flaws -- not least its size and inability to make phone calls. A rumor that originated on SamMobile a few days ago suggested that the South Korean handset maker is working on a sequel called the SM-C1010 (or possibly "S4 Zoom") that adds an ear piece and shrinks the screen down to 4.3-inches from the original model's 4.8-inch display. Another rumor at Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru hints at a smaller 10x zoom, instead of 21x.

Now, this very same SM-C1010 model number has cropped up on the Bluetooth SIG's website, leading us to believe that something is up. The rumors also point towards this mysterious handset having a 16-megapixel sensor, qHD AMOLED display, 8GB of built-in storage along with a microSD card slot and Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy support. At first glance, a smaller screen with fewer pixels may not sound too appealing, but if it results in a cheaper, longer lasting and more pocketable device, then we might be persuaded.

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile, Samsung

Via: Unwired View

Source: Bluetooth SIG, SamMobile, Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru (translated)

Flayvr Automatically Sorts Your Photos and Videos Into Event Albums

Source: http://lifehacker.com/flayvr-automatically-sorts-your-photos-and-videos-into-498901939

iOS/Android: Flayvr organizes your photos and videos into moving-picture albums on your device that can then be easily shared with friends via the web.

The app is actually slightly reminiscent of HTC Share in that you get a collage of pictures and videos, and the images animate to make your albums feel more active and alive. Flavyr differs from Gallery replacement apps like QuickPic in that it doesn't pull up every photo you've ever taken, but instead attempts to curate them into related collections. You can also share a Flayvr album by uploading it to the web and sending your friends a simple simple link, similar to Vine or Instagram (minus the social network aspect).

Flayvr (Free) | Google Play via Addictive Tips

Flayvr (Free) | iTunes App Store

President Obama issues executive order to make government data open and machine readable

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/10/open-government-data/

Remember Data.gov? The President does, and he has issued an executive order that should give the information portal a shot in the arm. Starting this week, new and modernized Government information systems should use open and machine readable formats by default, adhering to the guidelines of a new Open Data Policy. The policy requires agencies to use open, machine readable formats that are non-proprietary, publicly available and unrestricted, and aims to put useful data in the hands of US companies while increasing privacy and security.

According to the White House blog, this means new data will be served in CSV, XML, JSON and other machine readable formats, and will even be accessible via API in some situations. The White House hopes the new policy will help foster innovation. "There are private companies using open data to fight credit card fraud; consumers using open data to save on their energy bills; families leveraging open data to compare health care options; and a host of new apps and tools in areas ranging from public safety, to financial planning, to education, and more," the blog explains. "We are very excited about the path ahead and can't wait to see what new ideas and yet to be imagined innovations can be unlocked by increased access to open data." Head past the break to read the executive order for yourself, and check out the source PDF for a peek at the new Open Data Policy.

Source: White House (1), (2), PDF (3)

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Instrument's Map Diving for Chrome: like a Google I/O keynote, minus Sergey (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/09/instrument-map-diving-demo-for-chrome-like-a-google-io-keynote/

Let's be honest: it's doubtful we'll ever get to directly recreate the skydiving antics of Google I/O 2012's opening keynote. Some of us on the I/O 2013 floor, however, could get the next best thing. As part of a Google Maps API showcase, Portland-based Instrument has developed a Map Diving game for Chrome that has players soaring over real locations to reach Pilotwings-style checkpoints. The version that will be at the event links seven instances of Google's web browser, each with its own display; gamers fly by holding out their arms in front of a motion camera like the Kinect or Wavi Xtion. Sergey Brin probably won't be waiting for anyone on the ground once the demo's over, but Instrument hints in a developer video (after the break) that there could be a take-home version of Map Diving after the code is tuned for a single screen. Either way, we can't wait to give it a spin.

Filed under: Gaming, Internet, Software, Google

Via: The Verge

Source: Instrument

Mind-Bending 'Inception' Maps Show Manhattan Like You Haven't Seen It Before

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/bergs-inception-maps-of-manhattan-2013-5

London-based design firm BERG created these two 3D maps of Manhattan, which look like a scene out of "Inception" (via Curbed NY).

Called "Here & There," the horizon-less maps make it appear as if the city is curling up and over you. One view looks uptown from 3rd and 7th, and the other downtown from 3rd and 35th.

It was made with "a combination of city manipulations in modeling software" and both maps are now a part of the MoMA's permanent collection.

"The ability to be in a city and to see through it is a superpower," BERG explains about the project. "It's how maps should work."

The images are both three feet tall and two feet wide, and are still available to purchase at BERG London for roughly $150.

BERG uptown downtown

SEE ALSO: The 25 Best Skylines In The World

Please follow The Life on Twitter and Facebook.

Join the conversation about this story »

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)