Dec 04
The iPhone is popular. Not just here in the United States, but around the whole world. But depending on where you are, you might be paying a lot for it. This map of iPhone 5S prices across the globe shows the worst places to buy.
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Dec 04
If you walk through parts of NYC during rush hour, it can feel like you’re participating in a videogame — one that combines the dodge-everything antics of Paperboy and the smells of Oscar’s Trash Race for the Atari 2600. If …
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Dec 03
Manners and Cursing, Mapped
Posted in: Today's Chili
Dec 02
As China continues its controversial claim-staking throughout Asia, a corner of the academic world is becoming an unlikely focal point in the dispute: Archaeology. More specifically, the thousands of shipwrecks that litter the South China Sea—which China is aggressively claiming as evidence to back up its right to control the ocean.
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Nov 28
This article was written on October 02, 2009 by CyberNet.
I’m not sure how many of you have decided to take part in the Monopoly City Streets game, but one of my friends pointed out something interesting. The game was promoted as being powered by Google Maps, but looking into the FAQ’s reveals that the data is not solely coming from Google. Instead the maps that you see are coming from Google, but the data that is actually being used in the backend is from a site called OpenStreetMap. Google Maps is pretty much used just for the “eye candy” and nothing else. This makes things a bit interesting:
Monopoly City Streets launched in September 2009 using map images from Google Maps and map data from OpenStreetMap for the streets that you can buy. You may have noticed that the streets on the map do not exactly fit the (blue/purple/red) street overlays, or that the spelling of the name of a street is different, or that you cannot buy a street at all. All that is because the street data comes from OpenStreetMap, but the map images do not.
I hadn’t heard of OpenStreetMap before, but after looking into it I have to say that it’s a rather cool idea. It’s basically a Wikipedia for maps. Anyone is free to update the content, which means if your street isn’t on the map you are free to add it. It does require that you collect and upload some data though.
What’s the purpose of OpenStreetMap with services like Google Maps? This isn’t designed to be a site that you can get directions from. Instead it’s geared towards developers. It’s a free source for developers to get map data from without having to worry about any kind of licensing:
The goal of the project is to have free-as-in-free-speech geographical data for everyone to use, for any purpose. Anybody can download a copy of all of OpenStreetMap’s database and do anything they like with it.
Kinda neat. There’s a good chance that from a user’s perspective you’ll never hear of this service again, but don’t be surprised to find out that some of the apps you use are getting their data from this site. One good example that I found is CloudMade, who lets you apply or create your own visual styles and color schemes for the maps. There’s other OpenStreetMap-powered solutions as well, such as MapMe or the iPhone app called OffMaps that is designed to take your maps offline. Developers are definitely using it, and it will be interesting to see if the “open” nature of the site will contribute or hinder its success. After all, one day you might wake up and your street will cease to exist (on the map that is). 🙂
OpenStreetMap Homepage
Thanks Pete!
Copyright © 2013 CyberNetNews.com
Nov 28
When researching reviews on a particular restaurant or shop, or when looking for hotels to stay overseas, typically these websites will have Google Maps (or Bing Maps) embedded there which allows visitors to get a better idea of where the establishment is located. However the look and feel of these embedded maps are considered to be somewhat outdated, especially compared to the new look of Google Maps available from its website. Well the good news is that Google has announced that they will be rolling out a new Google Maps embed that webmasters will be able to embed into their websites in the future.
Unlike the older Google Maps, these new maps will take advantage of several of the new features Google has implemented since then. This includes the ability to sign into those maps where you will be able to see saved places, perhaps use that as a gauge to determine how far a certain place is from your home, and users will also be able to save those locations and view it from their mobile device as well. As it stands the new Google Maps is still in preview mode but Google expects to begin rolling it out on a wider scale in the upcoming weeks.
Google Announces New And Personalized Map Embed original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Nov 27
As of today, Google Maps will now let you see dynamic 3D renderings of the insides of airports and train stations. The update should help guide you through some of the most directionally confusing aspects of your travels this holiday season: transit hubs. As of this moment, the growing list of locations applies to 16 […]
Nov 27
The other day we reported that Apple had confirmed that they had just closed a deal with Israeli-based tech company, PrimeSense, which saw Apple acquire the company for anywhere between $300-$350 million. It had been rumored that due to PrimeSense’s early involvement with the Microsoft Kinect sensor, at least the first-generation, that Apple could be looking at using the motion detecting technology and incorporate it into the company’s rumored iTV. However while that might be a possibility, new information has surfaced that has suggested Apple’s interest in PrimeSense might not necessarily be TV-related.
According to Jessica Lessin, her sources have informed her that PrimeSense’s motion-sensing technology is actually considered to be “a little bit behind” and that Microsoft does not actually use it in its Kinect. However what PrimeSense’s technology is more adept at doing is mapping, where companies such as Matterport uses its chips in its cameras for mapping three-dimensional spaces. When Apple first launched their Maps app, it was considered to be something of a disaster and there were numerous complaints about how it was inaccurate and how it lacked features when compared to the likes of Google Maps.
With this new information and if accurate, it looks like Apple is definitely taking its Maps development seriously and we could start seeing more features and functionality coming to the app in the future.
Apple’s PrimeSense Acquisition Could Be Used To Improve Maps original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Nov 26
Flying this holiday? I’m sorry. Here’s to hoping you don’t get stranded in East Nowheresville on the way. As for the rest of us, the Misery Map is a fantastic way to sit back and bask in the misfortune of others. Or, uh, give thanks that we’re not stuck at an airport. Yeah, that second one.
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Nov 26
Apple’s purchase of PrimeSense last week had all the tech industries howling. The Israel-based company’s motion tracking technology had largely informed early versions of Kinect, Microsoft’s motion-tracking and voice command interface for the Xbox 360 gaming console. Was Apple planning to use PrimeSense’s expertise in motion tracking to propel its gadgets into a new era […]
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