Chris Rock’s first Netflix special debuts February 14th

Chris Rock signed a deal with Netflix in 2016, agreeing to two comedy specials for a reported sum of $40 million. Well the wait for Rock’s comedy special return is finally over as Netflix has announced that the first of those two specials will air on February 14th. Chris Rock: Tamborine is Rock’s first special since 2008’s Kill the Messenger and Variety reports that it will cover topics that span from relationships to race.

Tomorrow. Tamborine. @netflixisajoke pic.twitter.com/RPVhPv5mmq

— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) February 13, 2018

Over the last couple of years, Netflix has snagged quite a few high-profile comedians. Last year, the streaming service aired three Dave Chappelle specials, one from Patton Oswalt and the first of two Jerry Seinfeld specials. Ellen Degeneres also has a Netflix special in the works. In addition to big names, Netflix also got the rights to the Def Comedy Jam 25th anniversary special and will also start airing 15-minute stand-up specials featuring a number of newer names to the comedic scene.

Chris Rock: Tamborine was filmed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and was directed by Bo Burnham.

Source: Netflix

Amazon’s cop drama ‘Bosch’ returns April 13th

Amazon’s longest-running TV show, Bosch, now has a premiere date for its fourth season: Friday, April 13th. The 10-episode season will address accusations of police brutality against the LAPD. When a civil rights attorney is murdered just before a case against the police department, Detective Harry Bosch is put in charge of a task force to find the truth, even if the responsibility lies with his fellow police officers. You can see a trailer for the fourth season below. The show has already been renewed for a fifth season.

According to Deadline, Executive Producer Eric Overmyer will be returning to the show for the fifth season. He developed the show for television and was the showrunner for the first three seasons before he left to manage Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle. He will once again serve as showrunner on Bosch, which is based on the hit book series by Michael Connelly, along with Executive Producer Daniel Pyne, who ran the show’s fourth season.

Source: Deadline

ARM’s latest processors are designed for mobile AI

ARM isn’t content to offer processor designs that are kinda-sorta ready for AI. The company has unveiled Project Trillium, a combination of hardware and software ingredients designed explicitly to speed up AI-related technologies like machine learning and neural networks. The highlights, as usual, are the chips: ARM ML promises to be far more efficient for machine learning than a regular CPU or graphics chip, with two to four times the real-world throughput. ARM OD, meanwhile, is all about object detection. It can spot “virtually unlimited” subjects in real time at 1080p and 60 frames per second, and focuses on people in particular — on top of recognizing faces, it can detect facing, poses and gestures.

The software component, ARM NN, serves as a go-between for neural network frameworks like Google’s TensorFlow and ARM-based processors.

It’s going to be a while before you see this technology in action. ARM isn’t offering previews until April, with wider availability in the middle of 2018. And remember, ARM doesn’t actually design finished chips. It’s up to Qualcomm, Samsung and other companies to translate these formulas into real products. The aim, however, is clear: ARM wants more devices that can handle AI tasks locally, rather than depending on a cloud-based helper like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri. The company also expects Project Trillium to expand beyond mobile devices to include home theater, smart speakers and other categories where AI might come in handy.

Via: The Verge

Source: ARM

Attackers used Telegram to deliver cryptocurrency-mining malware

Kaspersky Lab says it spotted evidence of a vulnerability in the desktop version of Telegram that allowed attackers to install cryptocurrency mining malware on users’ computers. The zero-day exploit was used to trick Telegram users into downloading malicious files, which could then be used to deliver cryptocurrency mining software and spyware. According to Kaspersky, those behind the exploit used the computers their malware had been installed on to mine digital currencies like Monero, Zcash, Fantomcoin and others. Kaspersky also says it found a stolen cache of Telegram data on one of the attackers’ servers.

Telegram is a popular messaging service. And while its encryption has attracted users whose communications may be less than legal, its popularity has also attracted groups wanting to exploit its many users. Telegram was briefly pulled from Apple’s App Store earlier this month because users were sharing child pornography through it and it has remained a popular mode of communication for members of ISIS despite Telegram’s attempts to prevent it. Last month, Symantec discovered a fraudulent copy of Telegram on Google Play that served users ads as well as another that installed malware onto the systems of those who downloaded it.

Of course, sneaky cryptocurrency mining hijacks are nothing new. Attackers have targeted Android phones, government websites and Showtime’s streaming website, among many others. Kaspersky said it notified Telegram of the issue and it now appears to have been rectified. “The popularity of instant messenger services is incredibly high, and it’s extremely important that developers provide proper protection for their users so that they don’t become easy targets for criminals,” Kaspersky Malware Analyst Alexey Firsh said in a statement.

Via: Bloomberg

Source: Kaspersky

‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’ virtual tours can actually teach history

The Assassin’s Creed series is known for its vast and richly detailed historical environments, and well… lots of murder. What you might not realize is just how much work goes into making these virtual windows into the past somewhat realistic. That’s something Ubisoft is aiming to highlight with Assassin’s Creed Origins’ Discovery Tour. You can think of it as a museum-like experience set within the game’s meticulous rendition of ancient Egypt. The goal? To turn one of the most popular gaming franchises in the world into a truly useful educational tool.

As you’d expect, there’s plenty of helpful narration, historical photos and artwork in Discovery Tour. You also don’t have to worry about getting killed, so you’re free to explore as much as you want. The developers brought in Egyptologists to craft 75 guided tours, which cover things like the city of Alexandria, daily life of Egyptians, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.

You can jump right in to tours from the game’s menu and map, and they usually involve following a golden path to various checkpoints. During a brief demo, I learned how Alexandria was founded, and why its location along the Nile delta was particularly strategic. I was surprised to discover a few things I didn’t come across in school, even though I spent a few years studying ancient history. I also encountered a few photos and diagrams I hadn’t seen before, showing modern excavations and illustrations of what the city might have looked like.

Discovery Tour lets you choose from several models in the game as your avatar. I enjoyed exploring Egypt as Cleopatra, but you can also choose from Julius Caesar, the main characters of the game and a host of side characters. It was strange seeing Assassin’s Creed Origins in another light, after spending dozens of hours in the game murdering scores of Roman soldiers, hunting Egyptian wildlife and serving as the sword for a deposed Cleopatra. But, it made me appreciate the game all the more.

Ubisoft

Jean Guesdon, creative director of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Black Flag, tells Engadget that his team’s mission for the series is to “make history everyone’s playground.” They were inspired to make Discovery Tour after fans of the franchise pointed out that it actually helped them learn about major historical events. When it came time to start development of Origins, he pitched the mode as part of his vision for the overall game.

“Culturally at Ubisoft, this kind of initiative is well perceived,” Guesdon says. “Our CEO keeps telling us we need to enrich players’ lives. To go beyond the entertainment, and to try and bring them either knowledge or skills. Think about Rocksmith, the guitar game where you could actually learn to play. So yes, I had to convince some people [to make Discovery Tour], but it wasn’t that tough.”

Development for Discovery Tour took about six to seven months. But that also doesn’t include time Maxime Durand, the series’ historical researcher, spent chatting with educators to determine what they actually need. Having an educational mode in mind also influenced the way Ubisoft built out the game’s world, Guesdon says. There’s a village completely dedicated to pottery specifically because he knew there would be a lesson about that.

Ubisoft

The tours point out how things like the developer’s rendering of the city of Alexandria, with its wide streets and grid structure, is rooted in historical research. Some of the lessons also show where Ubisoft’s more fantastical storytelling diverges from reality, like how they chose to include a secret tomb in the Sphinx, something that’s long been rumored among actual historians. While wandering around Egypt, you can also participate in what the locals are doing. If you stand next to a breadmaker, for example, your character goes through the entire process of preparing dough and baking tiny triangular loafs.

Owners of Origins will get the Discovery Tour for free on February 20th, but it’s also going to be available as a $20 standalone title. The latter option should be useful for schools and libraries, since it won’t include any of the violent parts of the full game. Still, the title Assassin’s Creed might be a turnoff for some educators. But Ubisoft has plenty of reasons to think it can help teach history, based on feedback from the series’ fans, as well as its own research.

Ubisoft

In one study, they had half of a history class learn about ancient Egypt while playing the game, while the other half was taught a traditional lesson by their teacher. In the end, 55 percent of the students who went through the normal class passed a follow up quiz, while 42 percent passed it after playing Discovery Tour. Only 22 percent of the students passed a preliminary quiz, prior to those lessons.

Now that schools are leaning into the benefits of interactive learning, especially with titles like Minecraft, I wouldn’t be surprised if more gaming franchises started including educational experiences. Based on what I’ve seen from Assassin’s Creed Discovery Tour, it’s an intriguing way to learn, even if it’s no replacement for a real teacher.

Facebook’s Lists are its latest attempt to encourage oversharing

Facebook’s latest attempt to get you to post more original content is a feature called Lists. It lets you post a customized list such as “My travel wishlist” or “Goals for the year” and the idea is your Facebook friends will then engage with post, adding suggestions or giving encouragement. You can further personalize your list with various background color options or by adding emojis and Facebook will also provide list suggestions, though you can make up your own as well. Additionally, if someone else’s list inspires you — or infuriates you — you can mimic theirs and add your own twist.

Facebook has been leaning into the idea of pushing personal and local content over national news. The company announced earlier this year that the site would begin to promote posts from friends, family and groups over those of businesses and media. It also said that it would start to prioritize local news stories in the News Feed and is testing a dedicated local news and events section in six cities across the country. Additionally, going along with its effort to encourage real engagement, Facebook has started to demote posts deemed “engagement bait.”

Facebook says Lists are rolling out to users now. However, while iOS users will be able to see others’ lists, only Android users will be able to create them for now. There’s no word yet on when the feature will come to iOS.

Via: CNET

Robots had their own skiing competition at the Winter Olympics

The Olympics aren’t just an event for the most talented athletes to strut their stuff on the world’s stage. No, The Games are where robots can find honest work and leisure, too. Some 85 robots (spread across 11 different models, humanoid and otherwise) have been serving drinks, cleaning floors, swimming around fish tanks, guiding lost visitors at the airport and even skiing according to regional publication Korea JoongAng Daily. “We applied three yardsticks in choosing the robots to use at The Games — how stable, new and useful they are going to be,” Park Hyun-Sub, of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said.

The robot skiing competition was held yesterday at an event adjacent to the Olympic village. According to The Guardian, each bot had to meet a strict set of criteria to compete. Specifically, they had to be over 50cm tall, have independent power systems, be able to stand on two legs and have bendable knees and elbows. Oh, they need to use skis and poles, obviously.

“Sensors enabled the robots to detect the position of flags on the course, which they had to steer themselves through,” the publication writes. “Points were awarded for the number of flagpoles avoided, and the fastest time to the finish line. Not that all of the robots reached it.” Sounds familiar.

For a glimpse at the action, check out the video below. Couldn’t make it to South Korea this year to see this in action for yourself? Japan says it’s going to double down on robots when it hosts the Olympics in 2020.

In-line image: Kim Hong-Ji / Reuters

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily, The Guardian

Fitbit’s latest acquisition could help you manage health conditions

Fitbit is very familiar with the health care world, and its latest acquisition drives that point home. The company has bought Twine Health, whose centerpiece is a health coaching platform that helps you manage chronic conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension) and complete “lifestyle interventions” like weight loss or quitting smoking. The move will help Fitbit offer its wares to health plans and self-insured companies — and, to no one’s surprise, gives it a chance to make more money from subscriptions.

The deal should wrap before the end of March.

While Fitbit isn’t more specific about what it would like to do, it’s not hard to see where the company is going. Its Ionic smartwatch can already talk to glucose monitors, and heart rate tracking has been a staple of its activity trackers for years. Health care and insurance providers could offer Fitbit devices to help you meet your goals without as many doctor’s appointments or sky-high insurance premiums.

Source: Fitbit

Play ‘Rocket League’ IRL with a Hot Wheels RC car kit

After arriving on the Nintendo Switch in November, there’s few places Rocket League hasn’t reached — but soon it will hit the real world. No, not in actual rocket-boosted vehicles, which would be way cooler to watch than a show about its eSports competition. Instead, fans will soon be able to race around in Hot Wheels-brand RC car replicas of the in-game vehicles.

The Hot Wheels​ Rocket League RC Rivals Set is coming later this year! Details: https://t.co/arCkOCKKKv pic.twitter.com/JgtCPRV5Q0

— Rocket League (@RocketLeague) February 13, 2018

To be fair, the toy company isn’t just selling a pair of Rocket League-themed remote controlled vehicles and calling it a day. The pair of cars, mocked up like in-game models Octane and Dominus, come in a kit with an oversized ball and mat that unfolds to look like the in-game stadium. No, the boost pads don’t work, but at least it should come with an LCD scoreboard. Players control their cars over bluetooth using smart devices.

The RC car kit follows the latest in the odd marriage between Rocket League’s studio Psyonix and Hot Wheels, which first slipped some classic cars into the game over DLC last year. But the gaming company had already partnered on a line of toys based on its rocket-boosted racers, so it’s no surprise they’re giving IRL products another go.

Source: Rocket League (Twitter)

Facebook Promoting its Onavo VPN in Facebook iOS App

Facebook has started promoting the Onavo VPN client it acquired back in 2013 directly within the Facebook app for iOS devices. A link to the Onavo VPN client is available in the Facebook app in the United States under a new “Protect” section of the Facebook navigation menu.

To get to it, tap on the hamburger menu in the right hand side of the app, and then scroll down. “Protect” features a blue icon with a shield, and when you tap on it, it links to the Onavo VPN app in the iOS App Store.

As TechCrunch points out, while Onavo offers to “keep your data safe while you browse” and let you know when you “visit potentially malicious or harmful websites,” Facebook’s real aim with Onavo is tracking user activity across multiple different apps to learn insights about how its customer base uses third-party apps.

But Facebook didn’t buy Onavo for its security protections.

Instead, Onavo’s VPN allow Facebook to monitor user activity across apps, giving Facebook a big advantage in terms of spotting new trends across the larger mobile ecosystem. For example, Facebook gets an early heads up about apps that are becoming breakout hits; it can tell which are seeing slowing user growth; it sees which apps’ new features appear to be resonating with their users, and much more.

In August of last year, The Wall Street Journal took a look at how Facebook uses Onavo to track what people do on their smartphones outside of the Facebook ecosystem. Using Onavo data, for example, Facebook was able to determine that the Instagram Stories feature was impacting Snapchat’s business well ahead of when Snap disclosed slowing user growth.

As The Wall Street Journal explains, whenever a person using Onavo opens an app or website, Onavo redirects the traffic to Facebook’s servers and logs the action in a database, allowing Facebook to draw conclusions about app usage from aggregated data.

Onavo for iOS and Android has been installed on more than 33 million devices, according to Sensor Tower, with 62 percent of those installs on Android. TechCrunch speculates that Facebook may be promoting Onavo in the iOS app to encourage more iOS users to download the app.

Facebook is clear about Onavo’s purpose, with a disclosure available on the App Store: “Onavo collects your mobile data traffic. This helps us improve and operate the Onavo service by analyzing your use of websites, apps, and data. Because we’re part of Facebook, we also use this info to improve Facebook products and services, gain insights into the products and services people value, and build better experiences.”

Tag: Facebook
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