Brain-like circuit performs human tasks for the first time
There are already computer chips with brain-like functions, but having them perform brain-like tasks? That’s another challenge altogether. Researchers at UC Santa Barbara aren’t daunted, however — they’ve used a basic, 100-synapse neural circuit to perform the typical human task of image classification for the first time. The memristor-based technology (which, by its nature, behaves like an ‘analog’ brain) managed to identify letters despite visual noise that complicated the task, much as you would spot a friend on a crowded street. Conventional computers can do this, but they’d need a much larger, more power-hungry chip to replicate the same pseudo-organic behavior.
This is far from ushering in truly complex neural computers that replicate human intelligence down to a tee. You’d need many more artificial synapses to achieve tasks that require a subtler understanding of what’s going on, like recognizing what should be in a scene based on what’s there. That should only be a matter of time, though, and the scientists believe there’s an interim step in the near future where a memristor network pairs with a traditional processor to perform more sophisticated tasks. Don’t be surprised if you eventually see phones with genuinely smart navigation apps, or medical imaging systems that identify conditions which would otherwise be hard to find.
[Image credit: Sonia Fernandez]
Filed under: Science
Source: UC Santa Barbara
BitTorrent’s messaging service goes wide, adds ephemeral options
Last we heard of BitTorrent’s chat client, Bleep, it was just debuting. Today the news is that the secure messaging client is moving from open alpha to a release aimed at the general Android and iOS owning public. With it comes peer-to-peer messaging with the ability to communicate — even sending messages to friends who are offline — no servers required, which theoretically means no threat of hacking. Perhaps the biggest new feature is an ephemeral option called “whispers” for evaporating messages. Unlike Snapchat, though, you can choose on a message by message basis which texts or photos you send will evaporate after 25 seconds. It isn’t an all or nothing affair here. And to further distance itself from the ghostly messaging service, you can even send these from a computer. BitTorrent says with whispers you can swap back and forth between them and normal messages seamlessly without breaking the flow of conversation too.
There’s protection against screenshotting too. Say a pal captures a particularly sensitive back-and-forth that you’d rather not see the light of day. In that case, usernames are blocked out, but text remains. If they want to reveal who was in on the conversation, only the usernames show and the conversation blurs out. The outfit stresses that both the text and usernames won’t be viewable simultaneously, as you can see below.
Free, end-to-end encrypted calling is on offer as well in case you want to keep your voice conversations private too. Maybe best of all? The firm says that no personal information is required to sign up, all you need to do to use the client is supply a username.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Source: BitTorrent
Samsung’s Artik platform aims to jump-start the Internet of Things
We’ve been hearing plenty about the “Internet of Things” (IoT) lately, but despite all the hype there’s still a sore lack of compelling connected gadgetry for you to buy. Now Samsung hopes to change that with Artik, its new platform meant to make it easier for developers to build IoT solutions. To kick things off, Samsung is debuting three new IoT modules: Artik 1, a tiny 12mm device with Bluetooth and a nine-axis movement sensor; Artik 5, which runs a faster 1 gigahertz dual-core processor and on-board storage; and Artik 10, which is powered by an octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The latter also includes Wi-Fi and Zigbee connectivity, which means it should play nicely with plenty of existing IoT equipment. All of the Artik hardware includes a secure-element, which should help lock things down better than software encryption, and Samsung’s also providing an IoT software stack so developers can get up and running quickly. And while the Artik platform is technically open, Samsung’s also pushing its cloud services heavily to developers.
“By leveraging Samsung’s high-volume manufacturing, advanced silicon process and packaging technologies, and extensive ecosystem, ARTIK allows developers to rapidly turn great ideas into market leading IoT products and applications,” Young Sohn, president and chief strategy officer of Samsung Electronics, said in a statement.
Samsung’s been dabbling with the world of connected devices for some time: Last year it bought the IoT company SmartThings for $200 million, and it’s also been highlighting connected gadgets at CES and other events for the past few years. It was only a matter of time until Samsung debuted something like Artik. After all, Samsung’s made a big business out of being the center for new gadget markets, be it developing memory modules for PCs, or LCDs displays for computer monitors and HDTVs. There’s certainly a need for something like Artik in the tech world, but Samsung faces some stiff competition from Qualcomm, whose mobile chips have powered the entire mobile revolution.
Source: Samsung
JXE Streams: A real bodyman tackles ‘Car Mechanic Simulator 2015’
True story: our very own Tim Seppala worked as a car mechanic for 12 years. He was a bodyman, or an auto collision tech if you want to get fancy. The short version is that the man knows how to tear apart your busted ’89 Toyota Cellica after a wreck, get it looking pretty and make sure all the machine parts are working. Does that mean he’ll be able to dive right into RedDot’s Car Mechanic Simulator 2015, the game that is precisely what it sounds like? We’ll find out when he streams it live today at 3:30PM ET.
Join us at 3:30PM ET in this post, on Engadget.com/gaming and on Twitch.tv/Joystiq as Tim Seppala applies his expertise to playing a video game about fixing cars. Will he rage against the confines of its digital artifice or praise its accuracy? How many references to Drive can we make in 90 minutes? You’ll have to watch to find out.
If you enjoy the stream, make sure to follow us on Twitch.tv/Joystiq!
[We’re playing Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 on PC streamed at 720p through OBS.]
Four devices from Sony, LG, HTC, and Apple allegedly heading to Verizon
Four devices, some unannounced at this time, were name-dropped by Evan Blass on Twitter with Verizon being among their destinations. The companies sending their devices to Big Red include Sony, LG, HTC, and Apple.
Blass named the Xperia Z4, G Pad X 8.3, Desire 526, and iPad Mini 4 as the devices on their way to Verizon. Both the Xperia Z4 and Desire 526 are devices that have been made public. The Xperia Z4 was named Sony’s flagship device moving forward with decent specifications and HTC’s Desire 526 currently exists in India as an entry-level option.
The G Pad X 8.3 and iPad Mini 4, though, remain in the dark. The latter two tablets will be replacing the G Pad 8.3 and iPad Mini 3 in Verizon’s tablet lineup.
Source: Evan Blass (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Four devices from Sony, LG, HTC, and Apple allegedly heading to Verizon
Foxconn pumps money into Cyanogen – is there a link to Nokia?
In between messing up its partnership with OnePlus, or making statements about how it is “putting a bullet through Google’s head,” Cyanogen does find some time to look for more investors. Back in March the company, which is led by Steve Kondik and Kirt McMaster, announced its series C funding from investors like Twitter, Qualcomm and Rupert Murdoch. Today the company announced more investor money, this time from Foxconn.
The series C funding is Cyanogen’s third injection of cash from outside investors. The money is generally given on the basis that the company has started to prove itself and that its business plan is sound.
What isn’t so well appreciated is that Foxconn has its own smartphone brand.
The new “strategic investment” from Foxconn brings to a close Cyanogen’s series C funding. There is no current announcement about any possible series D funding. As it said when it announced the previous series C funding, the company will use the money to “accelerate talent hiring and the development of its open OS platform.”
If you haven’t heard of Foxconn, you will have surely heard of some of the products it manufactures: iPad, iPhone, Kindle, PlayStation, Xbox and so on! The keyword here is manufacture. Foxconn is a Taiwanese contract manufacturer that assembles products for the likes of Apple, Blackberry and Microsoft.
What isn’t so well appreciated is that Foxconn has its own smartphone brand. Next to all those iPhones that are rolling off the assembly lines, there are Android smartphones sold under Foxconn’s InFocus brand.
Could there be a possible link between any future phones that Foxconn makes and the use of Cyanogen? Also, Foxconn is in the rebadging game. It designs and builds devices for third party companies who then just stick their own badges on the units. A prime example of this is the Nokia N1. Although it carries the Nokia name it is actually all Foxconn’s work. If Nokia was ever to get back into the smartphone market it could very well use the same method. A Foxconn designed phone with a Nokia badge… and maybe running Cyanogen!
What do you think? Would you buy a Foxconn built Nokia smartphone running Cyanogen OS?
Top 10 best Android games for smartphones and tablets [May 2015]
Mobile games.
They’re everywhere–on our smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and even invading our computers. While this certainly isn’t a bad thing, there’s more terrible games out there than great, and the bad titles tend to be what people see most.
However, there is an array of remarkable mobile games available where a lot of heart and soul has been put into them. If you’ve got a smartphone or tablet–iOS or Android–we’ve got a list of the top ten titles available right now.
Hearthstone
The World of Warcraft-themed collectible trading card game, now compatible with all types of devices, is a magical title that feeds on two characteristics: frustration and addiction. Decks are built with cards earned through gaining levels and buying packs. You can then pit them against your enemy, employ a lot of forethought, and pray your deck wins. Multiplayer is phenomenal, but Blizzard did a marvelous job at offering singleplayer challenges, where you pit yourself against the computer with some insane deck builds.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley isn’t difficult by any means, but through geometry, phenomenal music, and elegant graphics, it is an experience like no other. Many people throw those words around, but it rings true for ustwo’s Monument Valley. The only cons for the game are that it is too short and arguably not difficult enough. The game is short, but with its 4 1/2-star rating, the game is enjoyed by many, even Frank Underwood.
Clash of Clans
Supercell’s strategy and village builder, Clash of Clans is enjoyed by millions of players. The game is truly addicting, urging you to come back to it every few hours. You can expand your village, advance your kingdom, upgrade your warriors, and even join a clan to dominate rival clans, earning yourself majestic rewards. Don’t knock yourself down if you get angry over another clan destroying your village, Liam Neeson experiences the same feelings.
Kingdom Rush
Created by Ironhide Games, Kingdom Rush is a fascinating and engaging tower defense game. With 8 upgradeable towers, 18 abilities, and 9 heroes, you are challenged to fight against 50 waves of increasingly stronger enemies. Just make sure you’re prepared for the boss battles–they are like no other, intense and challenging.
Rymdkapsel
Grapefrukt Games’ minimalistic space strategy Rymdkapsel is a superb game, previously exclusive to Playstation Mobile devices. Your goal is to build and advance your space station while defending it from raiders and gathering resources you need to expand. It’s a longer game than most, but if anything, the graphics are Rymdkapsel’s strongest suit. Taking on a retro style and employing a lot of geometric graphics, the game is a wonderful piece of eye candy, at least for those who enjoy said style.
GoatZ
After the success of Goat Simulator, Coffee Stain Studio knew where they needed to head next: GoatZ, a zombie survival adaption of its predecessor. Explore a world ridden with zombies, fight them, and survive. One of the most humorous things in the game is watching zombies fly through the air having a seizure after you head butt them with your goat. The game certainly doesn’t take itself seriously by any means–it’s comedic gold.
Super Hexagon
Super Hexagon might be one of the most frustrating, yet brilliant games you’ll ever play. In Super Hexagon, you play as a triangle, attempting to avoid oncoming obstacles. You have to do this for 60 seconds in order to unlock harder difficulties, but good luck getting there, as its nigh impossible! However, you’ll insist on continuing playing because Super Hexagon makes the insanity enjoyable through its wonderfully constructed and alluring retro music.
Punch Quest
Noodlecake Studios’ Punch Quest is an addicting, yet amusing arcade-style fighting game. Using only your thumbs, you have to wade through enemies by punching and jabbing so you can make your way to the end. Just be careful, things tend to get a little out of hand when you finally get on a dinosaur that happens to shoot lasers out of its mouth.
Auralux
Auralux is a clever and strategic game where you command a single unit. Your mission is to capture all of the suns on the map by eliminating the enemy. It’s very strategic, so employing tactics like flanking is a must. It’s much more difficult than it sounds, and also quite addicting. Aside from gameplay, one of the games’ best aspect is its beautifully constructed ambient music.
The Room
While Monument Valley might have been an easy puzzle quest, The Room turns the difficulty quite a bit. Playing this game is like trying to figure out a difficult crossword puzzle as a child–it sucks up hours of your time and you really don’t make any headway. It requires a lot of critical thinking, and you have to take your time, otherwise, you might not be able to complete the puzzles. Luckily, there are clues available to guide you along. If you happen to finish the game, there’s a sequel, The Room 2, which is equally, if not more, challenging.
These are my favorite games to play right now. With so many games available, I am sure I missed a few. Let me know what you’re favorite games are in the comments.
Come comment on this article: Top 10 best Android games for smartphones and tablets [May 2015]
Lightning deal: Get an unlocked Droid Ultra for just $210!
These days it is easier than ever to get a good Android smartphone without necessarily paying top dollar. There are a number of routes that you can take when looking for a good budget phone, but buying an older model that is still in new condition can be one of the best ways to save. With this in mind, as part of a Gold Box deal on Amazon, you can now get the Droid Ultra for just $209.99.
This Verizon-branded handset is essentially an original Moto X but with a larger 5-inch display and a few other minor tweaks. The device is powered by a Snapdragon S4 Pro processor (as part of the X8 computing system) with 2GB RAM, and other specs include a 10MP rear cam, a 2130mAh battery, and Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Again, this phone is designed for use on Verizon’s network, but it is unlocked and does support GSM and 4G LTE on the following bands:
2G: CDMA 800 / 1900 + GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO + HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, 4G: LTE 700 MHz Class 700 / 1700 / 2100 (Bands 4, 13)
Not a bad deal for those looking for a cheap daily driver or even a backup device. Of course this is a limited deal and is only good for about 2 more hours (at time of this writing). After this, the pricing will bump up to around $250.
Tango opens an in-app store powered by Walmart and Alibaba
Two of the world’s largest companies in commerce are assisting Tango with the launch of its in-app store. Walmart and Alibaba have come together to bring their digital stores to Tango users in the United States. Users can browse millions of items offered by Walmart and AliExpress without ever leaving Tango. Purchases are also done within the messaging service’s app. Tango then curates lists of products for users to view based on preferences. This is another step in the direction of ‘social shopping’ and Tango encourages users to share their lists with friends and family.
Tango does plan to include additional retailers and markets over time.
Hit the break for the full press release.
TANGO LAUNCHES MOBILE SOCIAL SHOPPING WITH WALMART AND ALIEXPRESS
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 12, 2015 – Tango members, time to start shopping.
A mobile messaging service with more than 300 million users, Tango this morning launched social shopping on the Tango mobile app in the U.S. in collaboration with Walmart, the world’s top retailer, and with AliExpress, a global consumer retail marketplace owned by Alibaba Group, the world’s leading e-commerce company.
The new service allows U.S. Tango members to choose from millions of products sold through Walmart.com and AliExpress. The company expects to expand shopping options over time to include additional retailers and geographies.
Tango will offer curated lists of products based on user preferences, while also allowing them to create their own collections to share with family and friends. Tango members will be able to make purchases from Walmart.com and AliExpress without ever leaving the Tango app.
“Tango offers an exciting new way for consumers to access quality products on AliExpress that are relevant to their preferences and lifestyles.” said Leo Shen, General Manager of AliExpress. “We look forward to teaming up with Tango to provide consumers a great shopping experience wherever they go.”
“Starting today, Tango becomes more than just a mobile messaging service: we’re leading the way in ‘conversational commerce,’ making it simple for consumers to connect with leading retailers using the same platform they rely on every day to chat with friends and family,” said Tango CEO and co-founder Uri Raz. “Tango is excited to collaborate with Walmart and AliExpress to revolutionize blending commerce and communication, creating a new and exciting experience for consumers and sellers alike.”
Tango continues to re-imagine the way people communicate, discover and share content through mobile devices. From instant messaging to music; games to videos; photos to news and now shopping – Tango is a place to connect, get social, have fun and shop.
To download the Tango mobile application from either the Apple App store or Google Play visit: http://www.tango.me/download.
About TangoMe, Inc.
Founded in 2009, TangoMe Inc. is the developer of Tango, a free mobile messaging app with more than 300 million registered members who enjoy free video and voice calls, texting, social discovery, browsing and sharing content with one another. As a Top 100 free app on Android and iTunes, Tango continues to grow rapidly, with over hundred of thousands of people joining every day. The company works with third-party game developers, brands, content publishers, and advertisers to provide distribution, integration opportunities, and advertising. Tango is cross-platform, operating over 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi, and is available in 15 languages in more than 224 countries. TangoMe Inc. is a privately-held company headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company has raised $367 million in venture capital financing to date and also has offices in Austin, Texas; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Beijing. Visit http://www.tango.me for more information.
Come comment on this article: Tango opens an in-app store powered by Walmart and Alibaba
Philips SHP9500 over-ear headphones, $49.99 + FS
If you’re planning on picking up a pair of solid headphones, don’t pull the trigger on a purchase until you’ve taken a look at this deal from Newegg. The SHP9500 from Philips boast 50mm drivers and comfortable ear cushions for superior sound and a luxurious feel. These retail for $69.99 but you can take them for just $49.99 (plus free shipping) by entering code EMCASKN69.
Enjoy and don’t forget to share this deal with a friend!
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AIVAnet 