Elon Musk-backed project grants $7 million to AI researchers
After Elon Musk donated $10 million to the Future of Life Institute (FLI) to finance studies aiming to keep AIs safe and beneficial (i.e., prevent them from going down Skynet’s path) almost 300 teams submitted their research proposals. Now, the institute is finally done reviewing them all and has decided to grant $7 million from Musk and the Open Philanthropy Project to 37 projects over the next three years. Some of the studies want to teach AI what humans prefer based on body language, one aims to develop a system that can explain its decision to humans, while another vows to figure out how to make sure robots and other intelligent weapons are always kept under human control.
The recipient getting the biggest amount ($1.5 million) proposes a joint Oxford-Cambridge research center to study the long-term impacts of AI, among other things. It will also develop policies to “minimize risks and maximize benefit[s] from artificial intelligence development.” The organizers want to clarify, though, that they’re not fearmongering, especially now that Terminator Genisys is about to be shown in theaters. “The danger with the Terminator scenario isn’t that it will happen, but that it distracts from the real issues posed by future AI,” FLI president Max Tegmark said. “We’re staying focused, and the 37 teams supported by today’s grants should help solve such real issues.” The institute listed all awardees right here, along with a summary of their proposals, many of which would have sounded like science fiction just a few years ago.
[Image credit: kirainet/Flickr]
Filed under: Robots
Source: Future of Life Institute
Drone helps rescue trapped rafters
Drones aren’t just useful as scouts and signalers during rescue operations — they can play a hand in the actual rescue, too. When the Auburn Fire Department went to help recover two young men stranded in the middle of rapids in Mechanics Falls, Maine, Fire Chief Frank Roma used a DJI Phantom 3 to deliver a tag line that carried a much-needed life jacket. It also doubled as an observer while emergency crews sent an inflatable boat to bring the men back to shore, as you can see in the video below. While Roma notes that the Phantom 3 was his personal machine rather than official equipment, he’s eager to see drones used more often in the field. This only “scratch[es] the surface,” he tells TV network WMTW. It’ll be a while before robots are carrying you out of danger, unfortunately, but that key role in a river rescue offers a glimpse of what’s possible.
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The AFD responded to assist Mechanic Falls with a swift water rescue. Also on location was the Poland FD, Oxford FD, Maine Game Wardens, Mechanic Falls PD and Androscoggin County Sheriffs Dept. Two young people had become trapped on a rock in the middle the river while trying to tube in the high water. One had a life jacket, the other did not. As rescue lines were set up down stream and a haul system was configured to allow for an inflatable rescue boat to be placed into the water to effect rescue of the two trapped young men, the AFD utilized a drone to fly out a tag line to the young man with no life jacket. He was instructed in how to untie the line from the drone and then pull a life jacket to him. You can see him doing so in this video. This technical rescue went very well and is an excellent example of inter agency cooperation and the benefits of training for these demanding events.
Posted by Auburn Fire Department on Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Filed under: Robots
Via: Subrahmanyam KVJ (Twitter), The Verge
Source: Auburn Fire Department (Facebook), WMTW
BlueStacks emulator puts Android apps on your OS X Mac
The BlueStacks Android emulator, which already has around 90 million Windows users, has finally arrived on OSX after an extended beta testing phase. The free emulator runs both x86 and ARM-based apps as well as provides full keyboard and mouse support. It even allows for gesture controls like pinch to zoom with a trackpad and takes advantage of your Mac’s Retina display. Users can sync files and data from their mobile devices or pull new apps from Google Play directly to their Mac. You can download the program directly from the BlueStacks website.
Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, Internet, Software, Apple, Google
Via: SlashGear
Source: BlueStacks
John Legere must be doing something right, another public CEO battle with Sprint ensues
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The internet is a wondrous thing. We can buy products from around the globe, learn about other cultures, study a new language, find hidden spots on trips and…. catch two CEO’s going at it on a social network. It is almost like a live drama series that we all get to watch unfold. Last nights eruption was, as it usually is lately, thanks to John Legere, T-Mobile’s no holds bar CEO. A single tweet went out with a link to a recode.net article that illustrated Sprints new All-In plan was a miss. John’s Tweet is below.
I give credit to @sprint for swinging the bat when they do – but #allin is a swing and a miss, guys!! #sprintlikehell http://t.co/qDxDoK3BY9
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) July 2, 2015
Following along with the conversation we see that Sprint’s CEO, Marcelo Claure, wasn’t about to let John’s comment go unnoticed. He came back with a rather lengthy rebuttal that is well over the 140 character limit, covering 80 words over several tweets.
@JohnLegere I am so tired of your Uncarrier bullshit when you are worse than the other two carriers together. Your cheap misleading lease
— MarceloClaure (@marceloclaure) July 2, 2015
Here is the full response.
@JohnLegere I am so tired of your Uncarrier bullshit when you are worse than the other two carriers together. Your cheap misleading lease imitation is a joke.
You trick people to believe that they have a 15 dollar iphone lease payment when it’s not true. You tell them they can upgrade up to 3x but you don’t tell them the price goes up to 27 dollars when they do.
You say one thing but behave completely different. It’s all a fake show. So it’s really #Tmobilelikehell.
I find it a bit comical to say the least. All John did was agree with an article from a website and Marcelo went after John for it. I would have expected a more fact based response and less of an emotional bash. Another beautiful aspect of the internet is that everyone has the right to their own opinion. John has yet to make a response, at least none that I have seen yet.
At the end of the day it isn’t about the battle between the CEO’s that is beneficial to the consumers. More so it is the competition in the wireless industry that is being created because of it. There is a carrier and a plan for everyone. Whether you are a coverage nut and don’t mind paying a premium to have service in more places or more excited to have a new phone a few times a year for a small monthly fee, one carrier or another will be right for you.
What are your thoughts? Not so much about the battle its self, but more so about the changes we are seeing in the industry because someone is bold enough to try new things for consumers. Nothing is perfect, but at least we are starting to see carriers stepping out of the norm and trying new things. Some are arguably better than others, but that is always up to the individual to decide.
The post John Legere must be doing something right, another public CEO battle with Sprint ensues appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
AT&T LG G3 getting minor update that brings Factory Data Reset Protection to the device by way of.. McAfee
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One aspect of Android 5.1 is Factory Data Reset protection. This small, but useful, addition to Android is designed to cut down on Android theft by requiring the Gmail account holders password to reset the device to factory defaults. Whether or not I feel it will actually help cut back on theft, or just force criminals to be more tech savvy, is not the topic of discussion. Rather, it is all about a similar ability that is being pushed out by AT&T today for LG G3 owners. The G3 is currently sitting on Android 5.0.1 comfortably, but still lacks Android 5.1 at the moment. In a change to the devices support page a new update is being rolled out that brings Factory Data Reset protection to the handset by way of another app that the carrier has obviously partnered with, McAfee.
I will assume the update is rather small, about the size of the app. There could potentially be some bug fixes or tweeks inside as well, but AT&T doesn’t list anything else on the support page. It is your call to update or not, but if/when Android 5.1 does come to the device you will have no alternative option.
Source: AT&T
The post AT&T LG G3 getting minor update that brings Factory Data Reset Protection to the device by way of.. McAfee appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Sprint CEO tired of T-Mobile’s ‘bullshit’
Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure has reached his threshold of T-Mobile CEO John Legere’s antics.
Legere, in typical fashion, took to Twitter this week to needle Sprint’s new All-in plans. Calling it a swing and a miss, the CEO used the opportunity to revisit his #sprintlikehell hashtag. While Legere tends to focus his attention on AT&T and Verizon, he’s been getting more confrontational with Sprint.
I give credit to @sprint for swinging the bat when they do – but #allin is a swing and a miss, guys!! #sprintlikehell http://t.co/qDxDoK3BY9
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) July 2, 2015
It didn’t take long before the Sprint CEO noticed and replied with his own, brash talk. Claure said he’s tired of T-Mobile’s misleading claims, even referring to it as “bullshit” in the process. The entire sentiment was spread out over a series of tweets which, when compiled, read as follows.
“I am so tired of your Uncarrier bullshit when you are worse than the other two carriers together. Your cheap misleading lease imitation is a joke. You trick people to believe that they have a $15 iPhone lease payment when it’s not true. You tell them they can upgrade up to 3x but you don’t tell them the price goes up to $27 when they do. You say one thing but behave completely different. It’s all a fake show. So it’s really #Tmobilelikehell.“
T-Mobile CEO, Legere, is not known for mincing words or holding back. The last few years have seen him cursing and talking in very direct manners in press announcements, videos, tweets.
Sprint’s newly appointed CEO, Claure has proven to be confident and aggressive in his first year. With rate plan changes and, now, a more public persona to get behind, Sprint seems to be shaking to life.
It will be interesting to see if this escalates or somehow plays out in commercials and advertising. We’re a fan of of this sort of thing, how about you?
Header image courtesy of Flickr
The post Sprint CEO tired of T-Mobile’s ‘bullshit’ appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Here’s 13 patriotic wallpapers to help you celebrate Independence Day
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July, 4 1776. The United States declared itself a sovereign union of 13 colonies and remove itself from the control of Great Britain. Our founding fathers made it possible for us to enjoy this day as a holiday, so make sure you celebrate the history, government, and tradition of the United States of America.
Random fact – On Independence day, Americans will consume more than 150 million hot dogs.
If you see a wallpaper that belongs to you and you would like to receive credit, I would love to give it to you! Just drop a comment in the section provided below with some proof (You know, just so we don’t have people claiming things that are not theirs…) So, please choose those that you like and enjoy!
The post Here’s 13 patriotic wallpapers to help you celebrate Independence Day appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Helio returns from the dead via UBI Telecom
Mobile virtual network operator Helio has returned after about a four-year absence. Back in 2011, Helio’s service ended with Sprint’s takeover of Virgin Mobile, but now it is back with the help of UBI Telecom.
The company’s aim is to target consumers who use their devices primarily for communication rather than for data. There are two plans, one of which is still being worked out:
- Worry-Free Unlimited $29 – No Annual Contract Plan
- Free first month of service (No-risk trial)
- Unlimited Talk, Text (Including international), and Data (capped at 128Kbps with a restriction on video streaming)
- Included taxes and fees
- No annual contract
- Free voicemail, three-way calling, and MMS
- Nationwide Sprint network and free domestic roaming
- $29 / 30 days
- Voice & Wi-Fi Lover Plan – No Annual Contract (TBA in August 2015)
- Nationwide Sprint network and free domestic roaming
- Included taxes and fees.
The post Helio returns from the dead via UBI Telecom appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Sprint CEO calls out the Uncarrier and Legere as a “fake show”
When it comes to being bold and edgy, T-Mobile CEO John Legere constantly takes the cake. Legere isn’t afraid to move beyond the typical PR responses and jabs that we see from companies like AT&T and Verizon,and it’s his loose cannon personality that has at least partially attributed to T-Mobile’s recent reputation as the “cool” carrier. As it turns out, however, Legere isn’t the only one in the business willing to speak his mind.
Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure has now responded to Legere calling Sprint’s new All-In plans a “Swing and a miss”. Taking to Twitter, Claure fired off several tweets making his stance on the uncarrier pretty clear:
@JohnLegere I am so tired of your Uncarrier bullshit when you are worse than the other two carriers together. Your cheap misleading lease imitation is a joke.
You trick people to believe that they have a 15 dollar iPhone lease payment when it’s not true. You tell them they can upgrade up to 3x but you don’t tell them the price goes up to 27 dollars when they do.
You say one thing but behave completely different. It’s all a fake show. So its really #Tmobilelikehell.
Whether you agree with Sprint’s CEO or feel it’s just an angry response to T-Mobile’s aggressive marketing techniques, there are at least some that feel that Legere’s bad boy-esque attitude is more of a gimmick to make the company seem edgy. One thing is for sure though, the wireless industry has certainly changed a lot since the uncarrier initiative began, and for the better.
Even if Claure’s response seems more like a childish tantrum than anything, it’s still at least semi-refreshing to see another CEO in the wireless industry not afraid to get a little dirty and move beyond the PR-speak. Either way, it’s time to grab the popcorn and sit down — We imagine a direct response from Legere isn’t too far off and we’ll be sure to update this post when it happens.
Deal: Pick up the Hale Dreamer Alarm Clock for 51% off, ChargeTech 24000mAh Outlet for 39% off
Nowadays, many of us have replaced our standard alarm clocks with our smartphones… and for good reason. We do just about everything else with our mobile devices, and they’re normally charging overnight right next to our beds. But replacing your regular alarm clock with your smartphone doesn’t come without its downfalls. For instance, what if you want to view the time in the middle of the night? Sure, there are clever features like Daydream Mode built in to some Android devices, but for many, that won’t cut it. If you find yourself in the same boat more often than not, the AA Deals Store has a great deal going on that will save you some money on the Hale Dreamer Alarm Clock.
By the looks of it, the Hale Dreamer seems to be a simple smartphone dock. But if you dig down a bit deeper, you’ll find many more features that might be worth your while. With the Hale Dreamer, you can not only have the satisfaction of a physical clock with a snooze button, but also take advantage of the awesome SmartSilence technology that helps you get the most out of your sleep. You’ll also be able to set specific callers to right and others to stay silent, not to mention program it to send an auto SMS asking the caller to reply “e” for emergency or kindly, “call back later”. Sounds awesome, right? If you’re interested, you can purchase the Hale Dreamer Alarm Clock from the Android Authority Deals Store for just $48, which is a massive 51% off the normal retail price.
The Hale Dreamer isn’t the only great promotion we have going on today, though. This next deal aims to make charging your devices much easier, especially if you aren’t near a wall outlet. The 24000mAh portable power outlet made by ChargeTech offers up a fully-functioning AC outlet so you can keep your smartphone, laptop and other devices charged up wherever you are. It also has built-in USB ports so you can charge your smartphone, tablet and laptop at the same time! For just $199 (39% off) you can pick up your very own ChargeTech 24000mAh Portable Power Outlet from the AA Deals Store.
If you’re interested in any of these promotions, head to the links below for more information.
AIVAnet 