Source: http://gizmodo.com/hungry-slime-molds-reconstruct-ancient-road-networks-1691522167
You probably don't give too much thought to slime molds—the bizarre, colonial organisms that look like blobs of goo. But these underrated creatures have some surprising talents, including designing sophisticated transportation networks. Wait, what?
Source: http://gizmodo.com/withdrawing-cash-with-a-smartphone-could-beat-the-card-1691620307
The U.S. loses more money to card fraud than the rest of the world combined — something that's mostly down to the magnetic stripes that make our cards incredibly hackable. Although more secure technologies are coming
Thinking of posting that sweet drone footage online? You might want to be careful about it. The Federal Aviation Administration is telling at least one hobbyist, Jayson Hanes, that his aerial robotic videos run afoul of regulation because they're on YouTube. Hanes is allegedly flying "commercially" (and thus faces more stringent rules) due to his choice of site, strongly implying that YouTube's ads are at fault. If so, it's a sketchy argument. Hanes hasn't made any money from his clips, and there's no obligation to collect revenue on Google's video service.
The FAA tells Motherboard that it didn't explicitly mention ads in its notice to Hanes, and that it's investigating what prompted the warning. However, there isn't a lot of room for alternative explanations -- the issue was with YouTube, not the content. Even if the alert was just a mistake, though, it emphasizes just how fuzzy the line is between personal and professional drone use. The FAA may need to refine its proposed drone rules if it wants to avoid punishing fliers who merely want to share their adventures with others.
"Asteroid hunters". It sounds like Hollywood blockbuster / straight-to-DVD 'classic' that probably already exists, but now you, yes you, can be one... albeit from your PC. NASA has launched a desktop app that recruits civilians to help identify asteroids from telescope photography, helped by a special asteroid algorithm. Scientists announced the desktop app at SXSW during in a panel discussion where they elaborated on how muggles citizen scientists were helping their efforts to identify and tag asteroids. The app is another collaboration between NASA and Planetary Resources. (It's apparently all under a Space Act agreement, which is the coolest act we've heard of in a while.)
The app is able to detect asteroids thanks to an algorithm that specifically sniffs out asteroids from images taken by Earth-based telescopes. Apparently the sheer volume of images being captured these days makes it impossible for astronomers to verify all detections by hand. Here, computers are doing the heavy lifting, filtering down to the images that warrant further investigation. "The beauty of such archives is that the data doesn't grow stale, and with novel approaches, techniques and algorithms, they can be harvested for new information. The participants of the Asteroid Data Hunter challenge did just that, probing observations of the night sky for new asteroids that might have slipped through the software cracks the first time the images were analyzed," said Jose Luis Galache of the Minor Planet Center.
Amateurs can even take their from their telescopes and analyze them with the application. The application can tell them whether a matching asteroid record already exists and can report new findings to the Minor Planet Center, which confirms and archives any new discoveries. You can start the hunt by downloading the program here.
Filed under: Science
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/14/blackberry-secutablet/
BlackBerry's first experience with tablets was more than a little traumatic, but it hasn't completely given up on the idea. The company's SecuSmart wing has teamed up with IBM to launch the SecuTablet, an extra-secure version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab S 10.5. Reportedly, the slate's included security bundle prevents sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands while allowing personal apps. Yes, you can watch YouTube on the same device that carries your classified documents. You aren't likely to find this in stores (certainly not at its $2,380 price) as a result, but ongoing German government tests hint that you may well see it in the field -- and there's a real chance that it will outlive its ill-fated predecessor.
Filed under: Tablets, Samsung, Blackberry
Via: Wall Street Journal
Source: BlackBerry
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/15/windows-10-peer-to-peer-updates/
Not fond of having to wait (and wait, and wait) while you download Windows updates from Microsoft's servers? You might not have to when Windows 10 arrives. The Verge has noticed that a leaked version of the operating system lets you grab updates from other computers, whether they're on your local network or online -- yes, it's a peer-to-peer network for patches. Besides accelerating the upgrade process, the option could save precious bandwidth (important on capped data plans) if you have a multi-PC household. There's no telling when this feature will show up in a Windows 10 build you can try, assuming Microsoft doesn't get cold feet. A new public test release is reportedly coming soon, though, so you probably won't have to wait very long.
Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft
Source: The Verge
Source: http://gizmodo.com/youtubes-ready-to-blow-your-mind-with-360-degree-videos-1690989402
We told you that YouTube would support 360-degree videos
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/13/asus-rog-g501-nvidia-960m/
NVIDIA has officially launched the GTX 960M, and a number of manufacturers have revealed new, thin gaming laptops the video card was designed for at the same time. One of those laptops is the ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) G501, which measures 0.81 inch in depth and weighs 4.54 pounds. The GTX 960M card inside it can deliver "sharp, vivid visuals, high-quality textures and smooth framerates in the most demanding games," at least according to ASUS. In addition to the video card, you can find a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 4GB of GDDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD under the hood, encased in a typical ROG brushed-metal body with red accents.
The device comes pre-installed with Windows 8.1 and has a 15.6-inch 4K/UHD display, three USB 3.0 ports and an Intel Thunderbolt connection. Plus, it uses the company's dual-fan cooling system for super slim laptops called ASUS Hyper Cool Technology. It will set you back $1,999 when it becomes available in April. If you want a gaming laptop right now, though, ASUS is also re-releasing a couple of older models equipped with NVIDIA's new graphics cards today.
First is the lower-end version of the G751 called the G751JL, which comes with the new GTX 965M graphics card instead of the GTX 980M/970M, like you can find inside the former. It costs $1,399, or $100 cheaper than the previous model's cheapest unit. Finally, the company is updating its GL551 laptops with the GTX 960M cards to release two versions that cost $1,099 and $1,299, depending on their SSDs. All these laptops are (or will be, in G501's case) available in various retail outlets, but make sure to check out the ASUS G-Series website first for more info and a list of stores that where you can find them.
Filed under: Gaming, Laptops, ASUS
Source: ASUS
Analysis by Jaaziel Carlos, Jonh Chua, and Rodwin Fuentes Ransomware has become one of the biggest problems for end users are as of late. In the past months alone, we have reported on several variants …
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Gamers are being targeted by a computer virus that stops them playing their favourite titles unless they pay a ransom. On infected machines, the malicious program seeks out saved games and other files and encrypts them. A key to unlock encrypted files is only supplied if victims pay at least $500...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-31869589
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The names suggest a parade of a C-list websites. There was NewJunk4U.com and Monster-Ads.net, CoffeeHausBlog.com and SuddenPlot.com. But, these sad-sounding domains actually were artful creations of the National Security Agency: They were fronts for distributing and controlling government malware …
http://www.wired.com/2015/03/nsa_domains/
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Source: http://gizmodo.com/this-machine-builds-obscure-molecules-from-scratch-in-h-1691231482
This tangle of tubes, bottles and electronics may look a mess—but its appearance belies its impressive abilities. This is a small-molecule synthesizer, a kind of chemical 3D printer, and it can be used to construct the most obscure of molecules from scratch.
The restaurant sector is becoming increasingly competitive.
Americans go out to dinner an average of 74 times a year, The Washington Post's Wonkblog reports, citing the consumer research firm NPD Group. That's the lowest reading in three decades.
And a number of fast-casual establishments are threatening traditional fast-food and casual-dining restaurants.
Morgan Stanley recently released a list of restaurants that will outperform the rest of the sector over the next five years.
The chains are primarily winning because they appeal to millennial consumers, who are entering their peak spending years.
Here are their top picks:
The coffee chain has growth opportunities through its new tea chain, Teavana. The company has also started selling health and lifestyle products in grocery stores. Starbucks also has the opportunity to expand through its mobile payment app and loyalty program, according to the analysts.
"Starbucks remains a best-in-class secular growth story," the analysts write.
The hugely successful fast-casual chain will continue to grow, according to Morgan Stanley.
Chipotle's catering business is taking off, and the company continues to invest in its Asian ShopHouse and Pizzeria Locale concepts.
The demographic shift toward younger consumers will also benefit Chipotle, which touts its no-frills marketing scheme and locally sourced ingredients.
The company is suddenly the world's hottest pizza chain, thanks to a reinvented menu.
Domino's has also been aggressive in investing in mobile and online technology.
Finally, a successful international expansion will continue to drive sales, the analysts write.
Panera Bread is changing its strategy. Notable improvements include kiosks for ordering, in-store pick-up, and outsourcing catering orders to separate locations.
"Though the rollout of Panera 2.0 will likely disrupt earnings growth over the next 1-2 years, we believe the long-term benefits (better throughput, higher customer satisfaction, expanded catering capabilities) will be significant," the analysts write.
Although it is already one of the fastest-growing restaurants in the sector, executives are planning a myriad of changes to get customers to come more often, stay at the restaurant longer, and spend more money.
This includes tablet ordering and payment and more beer and wing sauce options.
The company also benefits from having an established millennial consumer base, according to Morgan Stanley.
SEE ALSO: 15 companies that will make a ton of money from millennials
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In February, Bloomberg reported that Ray Dalio's Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund with $160 billion in assets, was building a new artificial intelligence team under senior technologist Dave Ferucci. It was to launch this month.
The report seemed to offer even a small glimpse into Bridgewater's mysterious investment approach and where it was heading.
However, a Bridgewater representative tells Business Insider that the hiring of Ferucci was misconstrued. Bridgewater has been developing AI since 1983.
Here's the full statement:
There has been a lot of speculation in the media, as well as some misunderstanding, about what Bridgewater is doing in the area of artificial intelligence, and with Dave Ferrucci. We felt it was important to clarify this.
Ever since 1983 Bridgewater Associates has been creating systematic decision-making processes that are computerized. We believe that the same things happen over and over again because of logical cause/effect relationships, and that by writing one's principles down and then computerizing them one can have the computer make high-quality decisions in much the same way a GPS can be an effective guide to decision making.
Like using a GPS, one can choose to follow the guidance or not follow it depending on how it reconciles. It is through this never ending reconciliation process that the computer decision-making system constantly learns, and the learning compounds over time.
It is because Bridgewater and Dave Ferrucci both have long and deep commitments to this area that Dave has recently joined Bridgewater. It would be a mistake to think that this is a new undertaking for Bridgewater or that the process being used at Bridgewater is like some artificial intelligence systems that are based on data-mining rather than well-examined logic.
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/12/bbc-micro-bit-coding/
It's the first year of a major new coding curriculum in the UK, and now the BBC wants to play its part in training the next generation of star programmers. The broadcaster is developing a spiritual successor to the BBC Micro, called the Micro Bit, which will give students a physical companion in their path to coding competence. It's going to be a small, standalone device with an LED display that children can carry around with them and plug into a computer to continue their work. The hardware will be basic, as the BBC calls it a "starting point" for "more complex" devices such as the Raspberry Pi and Kickstarter-funded Kano kits. The project is still in a prototype phase, but the BBC claims it'll be ready to give away one million of the new microcomputers to year 7 students this autumn.
The Micro Bit is just the tip of the BBC's new initiative, however. The organisation is developing classroom resources under its Bitesize and School Report brands, as well as a slate of events to inspire would-be coders. Under a new 'Make it Digital' campaign, the BBC is also pulling on some of its biggest TV shows, including Doctor Who, EastEnders and The One Show, to create new programming that will promote technology-fuelled creativity. BBC Three will be launching a talent show called 'Girls Can Code' and there will even be a drama about the making of Grand Theft Auto. Yes, you read that correctly. Grand Theft Auto. While some of this content will be available straight away, the BBC says it's working towards a "big audience moment" in September, when the kids go back to school.
The BBC has teamed up with a ton of companies to make all of this happen, including Google, Microsoft and Samsung, as well as Code Club, the British Computing Society and Tech City UK. At a time when the licence fee is being scrutinised yet again, such an ambitious project is a timely reminder of the BBC's public service contributions.
Source: BBC
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