Whether you dad is a science nerd or a sci fi geek he will probably get a kick out of Father’s Day gifts with Dad imprinted on them in binary code. They are bound to draw comments and questions from his friends — and even a few strangers. They will also give dad a laugh as he tries to figure out what this is all about.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)
In a move that might make some privacy advocates breathe a sigh of relief, Google said late Friday that it won’t be approving facial recognition capabilities in software meant for its high-tech Glass specs.
“As Google has said for several years, we won’t add facial recognition features to our products without having strong privacy protections in place,” the company said in a post to the Google+ page for Project Glass. “With that in mind, we won’t be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this time.”
As Google Glass has inched its way closer to becoming a real-world consumer product, the headline-grabbing wearable computing device has … [Read more]
Related Links:
Lambda Labs readying Google Glass face-recognition API
Google Glass spurs privacy questions from Congress
The looming big business of facial recognition
Everything you need to know about Google Glass (FAQ)
Google Glass: Who’s bringing the apps?
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ASUS is proud to introduce their newest 4K ultra HD monitor, the PQ321. Adopting the cutting-edge IGZO panel technology, this 31.5-inch LED-backlight monitor provides 3840 x 2160 4K resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, 8ms response time and 176/176 degree viewing angles. It also comes with two built-in 2W stereo speakers, Picture-by-Picture support, 1x DisplayPort and 2x HDMI ports. ASUS will exhibit the PQ321 at Computex 2013 in Taipei. [ASUS]
NVIDIA hits back with their new GeForce GTX 770 graphics card. Powered by NVIDIA’s 28nm GK104 GPU, this high performance graphics card packs a 1536 CUDA Cores, a 256-bit memory interface, a core clock of 1046MHz (1085 Boost Clock) and a 2GB of GDDR5 memory set @ 7010MHz, and features 2x DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. The GeForce GTX 770 will retail for $399. [NVIDIA]
Buffalo has unveiled another one of its upcoming 2-port AC outlet USB charger, the BSMPBAC03. This travel-friendly USB charger has two USB 5V output ports (3A maximum output), a status LED in each port for checking the current amount is installed and comes with a retractable plug that plugs directly into a household AC outlet. The BSMPBAC03 will hit the market from mid-June for 3,780 Yen (about $37) in black and white color options. [Buffalo]
While the public decides how to deal with Google Glass-wearing cyborgs walking among us, there are already startups trying to add facial recognition to the device. That includes the MedRef for Glass app for Doctors and an API created by Lambda Labs that’s on the way. Unfortunately, apparently due to privacy concerns, a post tonight by the Project Glass team says that it will not approve any app using the tech for release — at least until it has some privacy protections in place. That’s the same standard it previously said would need to be met before it added facial recognition to its own services.
We’ve been listening closely to you, and many have expressed both interest and concern around the possibilities of facial recognition in Glass. As Google has said for several years, we won’t add facial recognition features to our products without having strong privacy protections in place. With that in mind, we won’t be approving any facial recognition Glassware at this time.
Without approval, we don’t expect to see any standard apps with the API built-in, however with the headset’s current wide open nature, we assume interested hackers will be able to get the software running if they so desire. So, how comfortable do you feel having a conversation with someone wearing Glass, considering third parties may add extra features even if Google itself is not involved? Check out the full statement from Google linked below, as well as a look at Lambda Labs from TechCrunch.
Filed under: Wearables, Google
Source: Project Glass
Here’s the newest member to Logitec’s portable Blue-ray writer line-up, the LBD-PMG6U3V. Measuring 136mm x 142mm x 19mm and weighing 300g, this slim drive features a USB 3.0 connection interface, BDXL support and promises to provide write speeds of up to 6x for BD-R (SL/DL). The LBD-PMG6U3V will begin shipping from mid-June for 14,112 Yen (about $139) in black, red and silver color options. [Logitec]
Kingston has announced a new line of SSDs, the SSDNow KC300. Coming in capacities ranging from 60GB to 480GB, these 2.5-inch SSDs are equipped with a SATA 6.0 Gbps interface, a SandForce SF-2281 controller, a MTBF of 1 million hours and can deliver read and write speeds of up to 525MB/s and 500MB/s, respectively. Prices unannounced yet. [Kingston]
Hot on the heels of an update to the Windows Phone desktop app for Win 7 and 8, the Modern UI version is now getting a solid refresh of its own. Enhancements include the benefit of browsing documents and adding them directly to the phone from the app, and the opportunity to open files stored on your phone with other programs. It’s not the meatiest update, but it’s available now in the Windows Store, and adding the document sync feature to the app — which was already capable of handling most other types of files — is still some pleasant news.
Filed under: Cellphones, Desktops, Software, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: Neowin
Source: Windows Store
NASA has published a series of images taken of the asteroid 1998 QE2, which were snapped yesterday via the Deep Space Network Antenna in California. Although the asteroid was located 3.75 million miles away, its relative distance was quite close, and it brought with it a moon, which is smaller in diameter and visible in the images as the white spot. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory took the opportunity to observe the asteroid, led by Marina Brozovic.
According to NASA, the asteroid is a binary asteroid, as shown by the radar images that were taken. About 16-percent of asteroids measuring in with a minimum diameter of 655-feet are of the binary variety. Based on the images, the space agency says the asteroid is about 1.7-miles in diameter, rotating in less than 4 hours and featuring multiple concavities.
Aside from the asteroid is one of its more interesting feature – the moon, which is said to be about 2000 feet in diameter. At about 2PM today, the asteroid was at its closest point to Earth, measuring in at about 15x the distance between our planet and the moon. Such was a notable event, with the asteroid not being slated for coming this close again within the next 200 years, possibly longer.
As you might have guessed from its name, the asteroid was discovered back in 1998. While it is no longer as close to us as it was today, it will still be hanging around in the vicinity for awhile, and as such researchers in both California and Puerto Rico will observe and image the space rock until June 9. Says NASA, in the coming days we may get to see clear, more detailed images of 1998 QE2.
Keeping an eye on the asteroid is part of a bigger plan that involves tracking the space rocks, helping to ultimately protect Earth – or at least help anticipate, at this point – when an asteroid might collide with our planet. Many projects are underway looking into various methods on how to redirect or destroy near-earth objects that pose a danger to our planet.
SOURCE: NASA
Asteroid 1998 QE2 passes Earth with moon in tow is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
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