New Google Phone Service Whispers Ads Directly Into Users’ Ears

Apparently, the new feature will reduce Google phone users’ cell phone costs while providing them with unobtrusive, personalized “whispered” ads. Hit the play button for the full video report form our friends at the Onion News Network.

Please note that ANYTHING coming from the ONN should NEVER be taken seriously! ;)

America prepared for online warfare

Keith Alexander is officially number one at online warfare’s Cyber Command. But he’s no sofa-slumper and it’s no game.

Alexander is in fact four-star General Keith Alexander, and Cyber Command is a newly created subdivision of the US Army’s Strategic Command, which is effectively the military’s tech unit and already deals with missile defense and military space operations.

Cyber Command, also known as USCYBERCOM, will be based in Fort Meade, Maryland with around 1,000 staff. It’s formal remit is to “pulling together existing cyberspace resources, creating synergy that does not currently exist and synchronizing war-fighting effects to defend the information security environment.”

The logic of the new organization is that just as land, air and sea are all treated as military spheres, so should cyberspace. The appointment of Alexander is designed to make sure the cyber unit is able to deal with other command units on an equal footing.

The primary aim is to defend the military’s computer and communication networks, though it may also play a role in protecting government infrastructure. One idea is that the Department of Homeland Security will be able to use Cyber Command as its primary resource on cybersecurity issues.

Officials have already acknowledged there will need to be further consultation and exploration to clarify exactly how international law and rules of conflict apply to online activity.

[Source 1 – 2]



Dyson’s Rube Goldberg-esque Balloon Course

Apart from manufacturing really cool-looking vacuum cleaners, Dyson is also the company behind those awesome bladeless fans. The only problem with these is their price: At $300 a pop, they’ve probably got quite a stock in inventory. I mean, I don’t know too many people who would pay that price for a fan when you can get a good one for about a tenth of the price. But the question is, what would YOU do with all those unused fans? Here’s what Dyson’s engineers came up with:

Dyson engineers were asked to show how inducement and entrainment of air works on the Air Multiplier™ fan. If you watch closely, the balloon is sucked from behind and to the side of the fan this is inducement and entrainment at work.

Lots of experimentation with different sized balloons and other objects produced this video. And although edited to include our successful attempts, the video is made from completely genuine footage (and no, the balloon isnt attached to anything).

[Via Gizmodo]

BeBionic: A New Generation of Advanced Myo-Electric Hands

Complete with a range of naturally compliant grip patterns that provide repeatable accuracy, our powerful new hands combine innovative technology with life-like appearance.

Functions of the hand such as speed, grip force and grip patterns may be custom programmed to suit individual user requirements through smart software and wireless technology. Lighter than existing products it will be available to the market at an affordable price.

For those of you who want more information about BiBionic’s robotic hand, all the info you need is available on the company’s website.

[Via Dvice]

Wednesday Geeky Pics: Scrabble!

Since I’ve been thinking about my ABC’s recently, I found that I’ve had a hankering to play Scrabble as well. Turns out I’m not the only one!

R is for robot. – ittybittiesforyou (CC)

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Wolfram Alpha is an Uncompassionate Jerk

If you head over to Wolfram Alpha and ask the computational knowledge engine for some facts about the word “meme”, here’s what you get:

Soon to come: an update to the engine’s response to “Are you Skynet?”

[Via BuzzFeed]

Happy Towel Day!

Towel Day is celebrated on the 25th of May every year to honor the memory and works of Douglas Adams, the author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The most common way to celebrate is to carry your towel with you, which some fans do everyday. The official site has other suggestions, and a schedule of Towel Day events from all over the world. And remember: Don’t Panic! Image by Flickr user SiRGt.

[via Neatorama]

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