Google’s DeepStereo makes Street View ‘tourism’ more realistic
Who here uses Street View to do some virtual traveling? It’s not a shabby option if you want to look at places you might never visit within your lifetime, but Google thinks there’s still a better way to simulate real-world tours. A team of the company’s researchers has developed a technique that uses Google’s experimental machine vision algorithm called DeepStereo to transform Street View panoramas into seamless virtual tours. See, Street View photos don’t usually capture every detail of a location — there are always a few frames missing in order to construct convincing digital reproductions of places like museums and houses. DeepStereo can synthesize those missing frames based on the ones that go before and after them, giving Google the ability to create realistic virtual tours.
In order to “train” DeepStero, the team had to feed the algorithm with images captured out of a moving vehicle; after that, it was able to start recreating images. It’s still not perfect at this point — some objects like trees or grass are hard to synthesize and details vanish from the recreated frame if the machine lacks pertinent details. In addition, it takes as long as 12 minutes on a powerful workstation to build a single synthetic frame. DeepStereo’s obviously still a young technology, but the team believes it could be used not just to create virtual tours, but to generate environments for movies and virtual reality content in the future.
Source: Google
999 services must embrace texts and apps, says report
While technology has helped the UK’s emergency services evolve, people in need are largely required to report incidents by calling 999. It’s an adequate solution for the majority of cases, but if someone is the victim of a break-in, picking up the phone just isn’t feasible. That’s why the the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the world’s biggest professional engineering institution, is calling for some modernisation. It argues that in a world where smartphones, messaging apps and social media services are widespread, letting Brits text 999 in a time of need could save more lives by allowing for faster responses.
The proposed system would support a number of different apps, which pass on emergency messages to a human operator. It may also automatically scan texts for relevant information about that person, reducing the time it takes to identify them, or monitor for keywords like “SOS.” Emergency services could also make better use of smartphone features. GPS technology can better pinpoint a person’s location or identify the whereabouts of a stolen handset, while the camera would allow the operator to assess the threat to a victim. There are already a couple of services that let hard of hearing and speech-impaired people text 999, but the number of registered users is very small.
The IET will meet with representatives from the Government, BT, Ofcom and the mobile phone industry to discuss the best way to modernise the UK’s police, ambulance and fire services’ systems. Without a unified plan, it would be easy for forces to come up with their own platforms and inundate the public with too many options, or fail to update them altogether.
[Image credit: West Midlands Police, Flickr]
Filed under: Wireless, Internet, Mobile
Source: The IET
Russian government moves to curb selfie-related deaths and injuries
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You know you country has a problem when the government has to step in to stop people from selfie-related deaths and injuries. While that statement might sound ludicrous, that’s exactly what the Russian government has had to do to stop people taking unnecessary risks when taking selfies. There have been guidelines implemented, accompanied by a pamphlet, which explains the various situations that taking a selfie in might warrant a second thought – represented in road sign style, the pamphlet advises against taking selfies while jumping in front of a train, or falling down a hill, or while holding a weapon.
Again, while it does all sound very ridiculous, the last one did actually happen – a Russian woman was believed to have taken a selfie of herself while holding a gun, only for it to go off. Miraculously, she survived, but if this is part and parcel for the average Russian selfie, then something needs to change. In another horrific story, a pair of Russians pulled the pin of a grenade prior to taking the selfie – unfortunately the photo is the only proof that this ever transpired. Things like that seem pretty self explanatory (though these kind of high-risk activities aren’t isolated to just Russians) but we would do well to all remember that it’s not always worth the selfie.
What do you think about the Russian government trying to curb selfie-related deaths and injuries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The Guardian, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation via engadget
The post Russian government moves to curb selfie-related deaths and injuries appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Russia starts a ‘safe selfie’ campaign to curb fatal photography
If you’ve spent any time on YouTube browsing for Russian dash cam or parkour videos, you know that the country’s people can take life to the (often ill-advised) limit. That devil-may-care attitude also extends to how they take selfies. Since there were “at least” 10 deaths and 100 injuries resulting from folks aching to get the perfect shot last year, the Russian government has issued a set of rules for safe self-photography. A leaflet’s going around advising people to not take photos with weapons, big animals, hanging from antennas on rooftops or in front of rail transport, among other situations.
As The Guardian tells it, the guidelines are the result of a 21-year-old female accidentally shooting herself in the head (non-fatally) while posing with a gun this past May. Furthermore, the publication tells of a pair of young men pulling the pin on a grenade for a photo. The photo was the lone survivor. You’d think this would be pretty common sense stuff that was simple enough to follow, but a Google image search for “Russian selfie” proves otherwise — hopefully the federal campaign can change that.
[Image credit: AFP/Getty Images]
Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile
Via: The Associated Press
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (translated)
Logitech attempts an image makeover
When someone says “Logitech,” we’re sure the first things that pop into your head are boring computer mice (zzz), keyboards (zzzzz) and other peripherals (snore). Well, the company’s likely attempting to look more in vogue, especially to the younger crowd, because it’s reinventing itself with a new logo and an overall more colorful design. It’s also launching a new label for its latest categories (probably including its non-computer accessories) called “Logi.” Unfortunately, the company hasn’t revealed more details besides the “Logi” name, but we’re sure you’ll be seeing products under the new label soon enough. Any brand can benefit from having a distinct personality — just look at Apple and how easy it is to identify its products — so it’s easy to see why Logitech wants to be more memorable. Only time can tell, though, if this makeover can make an impact.
Filed under: Peripherals
This War Of Mine available now for Android pre-order
A new Android game offering a different perspective on war is now available to pre-order on Android. 15% of all the proceeds will support the War Child charity.
This War of Mine is the first game that lets you experience war not as a soldier, but as a group of civilians in a besieged city, struggling with a constant threat of disease, starvation and death, either from hardship, a sniper’s bullet or at the hands of bandits. Do whatever it takes to survive – without destroying your souls, if possible.
The pace of the game is imposed by the day and night cycle. During the day snipers outside stop you from leaving your refuge, so you need to focus on maintaining your hideout: crafting, trading and taking care of survivors. At night, take one of your civilians on a mission to scavenge through a set of unique locations for items that will help you stay alive.
Why this game?
- Experience war from a completely new angle: play as civilians struggling to survive
- Forge emotional bonds with your characters
- Inspired by real events
- Get Windows, Linux and Mac versions free with your pre-order
- Support War Child charity with 15% of your pre-order
Awards:
INDEPENDENT GAMES FESTIVAL – AUDIENCE AWARD
2015 SXSW GAMING AWARD
E3 GAME OF SHOW – Gaminglives.com
BEST OF E3 NOMINEE – Gaming Trend
BEST GAME EVER (THIS YEAR) – Arcade Sushi
KEY FEATURES
-
Face the reality: all in game events have been inspired by real life
- Take care of a group of civilians put together by chance, making the best use of their talents and recognizing their weaknesses
- Make tough choices and suffer the consequences: when everyone is sick, how far will you go to get the meds? and who will get them first – the weakest or those who care for them?
- Manage your shelter: fix it up with improvised beds and stoves, guard it against intruders, venture outside at night to look for anything that might help you survive
- Try again, if you have the grit to tough it out – every time the experience will be different
What do you think? Will you be pre-ordering this game? Let us know in the comments.
The post This War Of Mine available now for Android pre-order appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Guest jumps on Broadway’s ‘Hand to God’ play stage to… charge his phone?
I am a self-proclaimed power outlet ninja! I can be at any establishment and spot a source of precious battery juice all the way across the room, hidden between adornments and furniture. You can say I am a bit desperate for smartphone power. I really am – there’s no shame in denying it. But just when you think you are the nuttiest tech geek in search of juice… a guy freaking jumps on stage and tries to charge his phone in an outlet from a fake stage wall!
Wait – did we dream it? No, the guy literally went up there and plugged his phone into the outlet on stage… which turns out to be fake. At that point I don’t know what to think! Who is crazier – the guy who jumped on stage to charge his phone, or the guy who designs these stages and went as far as adding power outlets in the fake walls? Maybe I am the one going insane here.
Anyways. Security quickly rushed to stage of the Broadway play ‘Hand to God’ and escorted this guy to the bar after his phone was retrieved. His phone was returned to him later, after which he nonchalantly asked: “Well, where can I charge it?”. What the hell?!
Quick word of advice for this guy. Have you ever heard of a portable battery pack? We have a great article highlighting the best ones!
All joking aside, this shows much more than irresponsibility from a theater audience member. I mean, don’t ever go to this extent; you can probably survive without a phone for a couple hours. It may hurt, but you can! We would also like to take the chance to express our frustration with battery technology. Why are we so limited with so many advancements well underway?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 (one of the best phones of the year) can’t usually get you through half a day of good usage. The HTC One M9 is better, but not out of the ordinary. Thank the Android gods for devices like the Motorola Droid Turbo, LG G4 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4! I don’t know what we would do without them. We need a battery revolution, and we need it now. Also, please make it about more than just making batteries bigger (which helps too!).
You can enjoy a video of this nut job doing his deed! Don’t forget to head to the comments afterwards and tell us how far have you gone to charge your phone. One time I went into a hospital room and sat next to a sleeping lady while I charged my phone for like 10 minutes (totally being serious here). No one noticed I was a stranger!
Dynasty War wants you to get that real-time strategy feeling on mobile
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Dynasty War is a new game from NGames that is right up Clash of Clans‘ alley but is boasting real-time strategy gameplay on Android and iOS. Let’s not beat about the bush – Dynasty War is pretty much cut from the same cloth as other strategy games on mobile but with a slight Asian flavour – however, what might sell it a bit better to players wanting to get into these games without the constant fear of retaliation, Dynasty War offers a single player mode which essentially lets you play alone against the AI to get a feel for the game.
Apart from that though, Dynasty War shows very little difference to its kin, but I will note that I haven’t tried it. The game does offer in-app purchases, however, which does imply the possibility of pay-to-win strategies. If these games are your cup of tea, however, you already know these pitfalls and you just want to get to the playing, so we’ve got the Play Store links for you below.
Dynasty War – Three Kingdoms Play Store link
What do you think about Dynasty War? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Press Release
NGames’ Launches Dynasty War in North America Today on both App Store and Google PlayHong Kong – July 6, 2015 – Today, NGames’ most anticipated RTS mobile game, Dynasty War launches on both App Store and Google Play in North America. Players are invited to see if they have what it takes to survive this fast paced RTS Mobile Game. Stay tuned for more details!Dynasty War has been a success in Asia and has been featured numerous times on itunes including millions of downloads and also having thousands of players online at the same time. If you can’t download from Googleplay or App store, go to our official page at http://dwus.ngames.com/ and download the app there!
New Youtube Video is also available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VlZklH9qms&feature=youtu.beLet’s have a look at the features!Campaign to Conquer the World!
The Campaign is a real-time PVE mode based on the history of the Chinese Three Kingdoms Period. There are over 20 forces to use and over 120 cities for players to conquer. As players develop their forces, they will confront more powerful generals and cities. The higher the city’s defense level, the more resources to loot. Conquer more cities to increase taxes as your lands grow.Besides conquering cities and lands, Dynasty War also has a unique current situation system that enhances interaction among players. The relationships between you and neighboring cities can affect the current situation. After attacking a force, you become their enemy. Always be on guard, hostile forces will assault your city the following day.
The Spoils of Battle! Build Your Defenses!
Players can receive resources in siege battles. Anyone can be attacked, prepared and unprepared, defenders with be randomly selected. You will need to enhance your city’s defense to be prepared for siege battles. In the siege battle, the attackers can plunder the defenders’ city for resources, but they have to invest troops that might be lost in the siege. This high-risk PVP will be fun for all gamers of RTS and ancient legends.
Join the Warlord Tour, Fight against Players from All over the Globe! The Warlord Tour breaks the restriction of regions and provides a global battleground for players from all over the world. Joining the Warlord Tour will not consume any resources. Players will be assigned to the corresponding group based on their combat power to compete for prizes and honor.
Dynasty War official website at http://dwus.ngames.com/ Dynasty War Facebook Fanpage at https://www.facebook.com/dynasty.war
Googleplay download available athttp://app.appsflyer.com/org.ngames.dynastywarus?pid=prnews&c=0707 itunes download available at http://app.appsflyer.com/id1002337840?pid=prnews&c=0707NGames
NGames was founded in New York in August, 2006 and moved to China in August, 2008. With its headquarter located in Hong Kong, it has several subsidiaries in Hangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Los Angeles. With the aim of building world’s largest flash game platform filled and the largest English anime game plat form, NGames has become the biggest partner of Google Hong Kong and a pioneer that promotes Chinese cultural to the world. From 2008 till now, NGames has developed and published over 30 products, with more than 50,000,000 users covering North America, Europe, Australia and most of Southeast Asia, and over 150,000,000 daily clicks.
Now NGames possesses not only the largest number of anime game users in the world, it is also the first choice that brings Chinese culture to North America. With rich channel resources and marketing experience in North America.
The post Dynasty War wants you to get that real-time strategy feeling on mobile appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Truemessenger: an SMS app that will kill spam and identify unknown callers
Every advanced form of communication has a way to filter spam and unwanted contacts, but the new era has failed to reach traditional calls and SMS messages. To many of us these feel like archaic services. I mean, imagine if your email didn’t filter out spam – what a mess! Thankfully the new era of smart devices and services provides ways to combat these issues, something developer Truecaller has been doing for the past 5 years.
Truecaller and Truedialer serve over 150 million members world-wide. A strong community has been built around these Contacts and Dialer app replacements. Users can report SPAM, telemarketers and other unwanted callers – the service will then recognize these numbers and put them out of the way for you, sending them straight into the spam folder.
This really changes everything, making your calling experience a much more pleasant and uncluttered one. Truecaller is bringing the same convenience to SMS messages via their new app Truemessenger, which they have just announced.
The concept behind Truemessenger is simple… and pretty much identical to its sister apps. It keeps a record of unwanted numbers, spammers, fraudulent messages and recognizes odd behavior, creating an effective filtering system for your SMS inbox. Finally, our messages can be safe and you don’t have to worry (as much) about those pesky messages that just waste our time.
Truemessenger Features:
- The ability to put a name to a number, even for contacts outside your phonebook
- The resources to detect, block, and report spam alongside other Truecaller members to build a smarter community
- The option to avoid messages from unwanted numbers and contacts
- A clean Inbox where spam messages are magically sent to a separate folder
- The ability to add advanced filtering options by creating customized filters with known spam keywords or number series (area codes or country codes
- Truemessenger Bonus: Exclusive message alert tone brought to you by Avicii
SMS messaging may be antiquated, but it is not going anywhere soon. A lot of the world still depends on it, and we must keep in mind internet availability is not as widespread everywhere in the planet. At least with an app like Truemessenger we can make SMS a bit smarter.
It might be important to note these services continue to be completely free and Truecaller is making no money out of its users. The company states right now the main focus is on growing their user base; making money out of the app will come later. It may be hard to monetize Caller and SMS replacement apps without turning the interface into an advertising nightmare, but some competitors have managed to do it by offering in-app purchases (selling themes, emoticons, extra features, etc.). Maybe that is a path they may choose to take in the future.
Also, this happens to be an Android-only app for now. As many of you may know, Apple doesn’t play well with calling and messaging replacements. We suppose it’s their loss! Truemessenger will continue to expand to other markets in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes open. For now, you can go ahead and check out their Truecaller and Truedialer apps to see what their services are all about. Are you joining the Truemessenger revolution? I will be downloading the app as soon as it shows up!
White House wants to expand people’s access to solar energy
The solar industry’s apparently doing really well in the US right now, but the White House wants to broaden its reach even further. That’s why the administration has launched a new initiative designed to give more people access to solar energy and to create more jobs in the industry. To start with, the government wants to install 300 megawatts of solar and other types of renewable energy in places with federally subsidized housing. Some organizations in over 20 states also promise to conjure up 260 solar projects in an effort to help low-income families.
To make the process easier and to reach both goals, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will offer technical assistance (and a primer of sorts) to communities, while the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will make it easier to borrow money. The government has partnered with companies and organizations to create more job opportunities, as well. AmeriCorps, for instance, plans to train around 40 members who’ll eventually be deployed help retrofit houses with solar panels, whereas HUD, DOE and the Department of Education will boost educational opportunities that will help the renewable energy sector. The White House has laid out all the details on its website, so get ready for a long read if you want to know what the administration’s planning exactly.
[Image credit: Getty Images]
Filed under: Science
Source: White House
AIVAnet 