Tech Roundup: Dec 2, 2012
Will robots takeover humans?
Robots can be programmed to assist humans in a myriad of ways but infusing it with artificial intelligence can be dangerous as they can learn from their past mistakes to avoid them in the future and thus assume superhuman capabilities. These things have been vastly explored in modern literature and various sci-fi movies, but is such a threat real? To answer this question, researchers at Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) will study dangers posed by biotechnology, artificial life, nanotechnology and climate change, according to BBC reports. The scientists have also added that being dismissive about concerns of a potential robot uprising would be "dangerous". "The seriousness of these risks is difficult to assess, but that in itself seems a cause for concern, given how much is at stake," the researchers wrote on a website set up for the centre.
Go Blue!
Windows 8 is out and done, but Microsoft is already thinking the next step. Codenamed Windows Blue, the upcoming operating system from Microsoft will bring in changes to the user interface and in its pricing. According to The Verge, the update due mid-2013 will see the company release it at a low cost or even free to ensure that users upgrade to the newer version.
Windows Phone 8 on the works:
An update to Windows Phone 8 is underway in a move to include features that it ran out of time to include in its original launch a month back. Dubbed Apollo Plus, the update is said to include support for VPN, over-the-air updates, notification center and Wi-Fi fixes and will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in February next year. In the meanwhile, the Windows Phone 7.8 update for existing WP7.5 devices will be pushed out early 2013 according a recent post on Microsoft Official blog.
Surface Pro for next year:
Microsoft is planning to unveil the Surface Pro tablet next year with a hefty price tag of $899 for the 64 GB version ($999 for the 128 GB model). The difference between the current Surface tablet and Surface Pro is that the latter runs on a full version of Windows 8 unlike Windows 8 RT of the former. (And of course, the processors are different - ARM vs. Intel.) Additionally it packs in a Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB RAM, 1080p display, USB 3 port and a bigger battery. However, the Redmond giant has stated that the battery life will be half that of Surface RT, which roughly translates to about 4-5 hours.
Google+ Integrated to Play Store:
You got to admit it. Google is leaving no stone unturned to make (err.. force) people use its social network Google+. After unifying YouTube usernames with Google+, it's now the turn of Google Play store. For in order to write a review on any purchase made via Play, you would need to sign in with a valid Google+ profile. Google+ itself was brought out with the intention of unifying all Google services and hence the latest move from the company is the least bit surprising.
In other news:
Robots can be programmed to assist humans in a myriad of ways but infusing it with artificial intelligence can be dangerous as they can learn from their past mistakes to avoid them in the future and thus assume superhuman capabilities. These things have been vastly explored in modern literature and various sci-fi movies, but is such a threat real? To answer this question, researchers at Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER) will study dangers posed by biotechnology, artificial life, nanotechnology and climate change, according to BBC reports. The scientists have also added that being dismissive about concerns of a potential robot uprising would be "dangerous". "The seriousness of these risks is difficult to assess, but that in itself seems a cause for concern, given how much is at stake," the researchers wrote on a website set up for the centre.
Go Blue!
Windows 8 is out and done, but Microsoft is already thinking the next step. Codenamed Windows Blue, the upcoming operating system from Microsoft will bring in changes to the user interface and in its pricing. According to The Verge, the update due mid-2013 will see the company release it at a low cost or even free to ensure that users upgrade to the newer version.
Windows Phone 8 on the works:
An update to Windows Phone 8 is underway in a move to include features that it ran out of time to include in its original launch a month back. Dubbed Apollo Plus, the update is said to include support for VPN, over-the-air updates, notification center and Wi-Fi fixes and will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in February next year. In the meanwhile, the Windows Phone 7.8 update for existing WP7.5 devices will be pushed out early 2013 according a recent post on Microsoft Official blog.
Surface Pro for next year:
Microsoft is planning to unveil the Surface Pro tablet next year with a hefty price tag of $899 for the 64 GB version ($999 for the 128 GB model). The difference between the current Surface tablet and Surface Pro is that the latter runs on a full version of Windows 8 unlike Windows 8 RT of the former. (And of course, the processors are different - ARM vs. Intel.) Additionally it packs in a Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB RAM, 1080p display, USB 3 port and a bigger battery. However, the Redmond giant has stated that the battery life will be half that of Surface RT, which roughly translates to about 4-5 hours.
Google+ Integrated to Play Store:
You got to admit it. Google is leaving no stone unturned to make (err.. force) people use its social network Google+. After unifying YouTube usernames with Google+, it's now the turn of Google Play store. For in order to write a review on any purchase made via Play, you would need to sign in with a valid Google+ profile. Google+ itself was brought out with the intention of unifying all Google services and hence the latest move from the company is the least bit surprising.
In other news:
- USA planned to blow up the moon with an atom bomb in 1959 as a show of strength after Russia successfully launched Sputnik in 1957.
- Albert Einstein's brain was average size, but exceptionally complicated, says a new study.
- Samsung sells 5 million Galaxy Note II's.
- Nokia announces budget-friendly Asha 205 and 206 with quick sharing 'Slam' feature.
- Samsung resumes rollout of Jelly Bean for the Galaxy S III in India.
- Google rolls out Android 4.2.1 for Nexus devices adding the missing month of December in People app.
- Facebook's new Photo Sync feature now allows automatic photo uploads via Android and iOS devices.
- Apple outs iTunes 11 for Mac and Windows; brings in a drastic user interface overhaul.
- Google acquires self-serve package pickup startup BufferBox in an attempt to realize same day deliveries.
- Internet in Syria resumes after a two-day blackout; government points fingers at terrorists.
- Popular ad-blocking service Adblock Plus now available for Android.
- Apple launches the latest iMac in India; prices start at Rs. 85,900.
- Google increases attachment size limit to 10 GB for Gmail with Google Drive integration.
- Microsoft announces sales of 40 million Windows 8 licenses in a month; stays mum on Surface tablet.
- Yahoo! mail security exploit put on sale by an Egyptian hacker for $700; subsequently patched by Yahoo!.
- World Meteorological Organization warns of record greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.
- Scientists create an artificial brain Semantic Pointer Architecture Unified Network (Spaun) that can mimic human brain; has the ability to pass a standard IQ test.
- A new born baby is named Hashtag in honor of the Twitter '#' feature.
- Nokia files a new case against RIM accusing the Canadian company of infringing its wireless patents.
- Mexican court orders Yahoo! to pay $2.7 billion as damages in a breach of contract lawsuit filed by its former partners in the country.
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