Google’s new quantum computer is '100 million times faster than your PC

Google’s Quantum Computer – 100 Million Times Faster

Google together with NASA has been working on a lightning fast quantum computer which seems to be 3,600 times quicker than a super computer in solving difficult problems. The artificial intelligence lab of the technology company is of the belief that they may eventually have proof that their opinion dividing quantum computer would actually work.

 Google and NASA have announced that they would be collaborating on the D-Wave X2 quantum computer which according to them is 100 million times faster than a conventional computer chip in 2013. It has the capabilities of answering certain systems in second instead of years. Google’s interest in D-Wave machine which has also been invested in by IBM as well as Microsoft is due to the large power quantum computers that could potentially unlock.

 The weirdness of the so called quantum mechanics, where the basic laws of physics tend to break down, has the capabilities of solving long standing issues in machine intelligence and materials science. On the part of NASA, the computers could support schedule rocket launches or even produce complex simulation of space missions.

Quantum Monte Carlo

Hartmut Neven, Google director of engineering had commented that for a specific carefully crafted proof of concept problem, they had achieved a 100 million fold speed up. He had also added in a blog post that they had found that for problem instances involving almost 1,000 binary variables, quantum annealing significantly beats its classical counterpart, simulated strengthening and is more than 108 times faster than simulated annealing running on a single core.

The quantum hardware to another algorithm known as Quantum Monte Carlo was also compared. This method had been designed to match the behaviour of quantum systems though it tends to run on conventional processors. While scaling with size between two methods was comparable they were again separated by a large element at times as high as 108.

The computer figures out the most efficient overall course of action in completing a task and a set of number of options has been provided and could be key to the innovation of next generation artificial intelligence according to Engadget.

Disruptive Technology

Cynics have questioned whether the computer actually taps into quantum physics to resolve procedures, though Google and NASA informs that they have proof. The director of exploration technology at NASA’s Ames research centre in California, Deepak Biswas, has commented that `it is a disruptive technology which could alter how we tend to do everything.

Quantum computing depends on quantum bits or qubits and unlike the traditional computers wherein the bits should have a value of zero or one, a qubit could represent a zero, a one or even both the values at the same time.

Signifying information in qubits enables to process the information in ways which have no equivalent with regards to classical computing, taking advantage of the occurrences like quantum tunnelling together with quantum entanglement. Quantum computers may theoretically be capable of solving certain issues within a few days which on a classical computer would take millions of years.

Google Wants to Suck the Blood from Your Body

Google’s Patent for Needle-Free Blood Draw System

Google has filed a patent for a `needle-free blood draw’ system which could act as a wearable or a hand held device in order to draw a small amount of blood from the body. Unlike the traditional needle to draw blood, the proposed method is gas-based which tends to suck the blood in a very small barrel.

It tends to work by sending a surge of gas in a barrel containing micro particles which pierces the skin and when the blood is released from the skin, it sucks up into the negative pressure barrel. The patent which seems to be still pending indicates that the device could be utilised for testing blood sugar levels and also to take blood automatically or manually.

An example presented by Google portrayed a small cylindrical device being utilised on a person’s fingertips or as a wrist worn device, recommends a future version of Android Wear which could have enhanced biometric potentials. Google states that when the skin tends to be broken `a resulting micro-emergence of blood could be drawn into the negative pressure barrel’.

Aid Diabetics in Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Specific medical application for the needle free process that could be used has not been included by the company, though it could be the latest of the company’s work to aid diabetics in monitoring their blood sugar levels. The patents states that `such an application might be used to draw a small amount of blood, for example, for a glucose test’.

Patents, generally do not lead to direct development of commercial products and hence it is not known if the same would reach the market in the future. The team working at the Google’s Life Sciences, as part of the recently created parent company, Alphabet had already developed various items designed in helping diabetics.

 The lab had unveiled smart contact lenses which included circuitry to monitor glucose levels in 2014. Moreover, according to the report of Verge, it has also developed bandage sized glucose monitors that could detect sugar levels which could be disposable. Other diabetes work outside Google has seen bionic pancreas developed which could stop those with the disease and have the insulin levels monitored at all together with holographic sensors which can measure the relevant data.

Health Data – Next Big Arena

The World Health Organisation had estimated that 9% of adults above 18 years tend to live with diabetes with a total of 1.5 million deaths due to chronic disease in 2015. Google is not the only tech giant making attempts in the healthcare market.

 There are other companies who are also interested in identifying more elegant solutions to living with the condition. A company by the name of Tasso, supported by Darpa, had already developed an almost painless blood withdrawal method which does not utilise needles. Similar to the design of Google, the device of Tasso draws blood on using a vacuum.

Health data seems to be the next big arena among the tech companies with the new generation of wearable gadget enabling users in measuring heart rates, exercise activities and sleep patterns. Google seems to hold patents on various different ideas and not all would make it to the production. But the needle free blood draw device could be a big success taking into account that lots of people are very uneasy with the sight of injection being inserted into their skin.

Flare-dbg To Aid Malware Reverse Engineers in Rapidly Developing Debugger By FireEye

flare-dbg is a project meant to aid malware reverse engineers in rapidly developing debugger scripts.

Installation/setup

1. Install the pykd windbg extension from: https://pykd.codeplex.com/releases

• Download the Bootstrapper dll.
• Add the Bootstrapper pykd.dll file into your winext directory. Something like %ProgramFiles%\Debugging Tools for Windows\winext.
• Install the latest 0.3.x version of pykd using pip install pykd.
• Ensure you can import pykd from within windbg: .load pykd.

2. Install winappdbg

• pip install winappdbg

3. Setup vivisect

• Install vivisect using one of the following options:

Install package using pip: pip install vivisect-wb
Install source using pip: pip install https://github.com/williballenthin/vivisect/zipball/master
Download and extract upstream vivisect and set PYTHONPATH to the extracted directory.

• Ensure you can import vivisect from a python shell: import vivisect.

4. Setup flaredbg

• Install flaredbg using setup.py

Running scripts
There are two options for running scripts:

1. Create a script directory and set PYTHONPATH to the newly created script directory and add your scripts here.
2. Copy scripts to the root of your windbg directory. Something like: %ProgramFiles%\Debugging Tools for Windows\. Once your script path is setup, scripts are run from the windbg console as follows:

> .load pykd
> !py <script_name>

Download

#Breaking: Debian Founder Ian Murdock Has Died

#Breaking: Debian GNU/Linux Founder Ian Murdock has Died

Ian Murdock, who was born on 28 April 1973 and died 28 December 2015. He was an American software engineer, known for being the founder of the Debian project and Progeny Linux Systems, a commercial Linux company.

Ian, who lived in San Francisco, founded the open-source distro in 1993, and just recently started working for Docker in the city.

On Monday Ian posted several tweets. Now his account had been deleted.

Docker CEO Ben Golub said in the official blog,
"It is with great sadness that we inform you that Ian Murdock passed away on Monday night. This is a tragic loss for his family, for the Docker community, and the broader open source world; we all mourn his passing. To Ian’s children, family and loved ones, we offer our full support and deepest sympathies."

According to Wikipedia,
On joining Sun, he led Project Indiana, which he described as "taking the lesson that Linux has brought to the operating system and providing that for Solaris", making a full OpenSolaris distribution with GNOME and userland tools from GNU plus a network-based package management system. From March 2007 to February 2010, he was Vice President of Emerging Platforms at Sun, until the company merged with Oracle and he resigned his position with the company.

From 2011 until 2015 Murdock was Vice President of Platform and Developer Community at Salesforce Marketing Cloud, based in Indianapolis.

R.I.P "Ian Murdock".

Ford in Talks with Google to Build Self Driving Cars

Google is going all guns blazing to get its self-driving cars a better car manufacturer. It should be noted that last year Apple had talk with BMW to assess the manufacturing capabilities of self-driving cars. Apple wanted to get manufacturing support and assistance from the automotive major rather setting up whole manufacturing line but the talks went sour and some elite BMW officials lost their jobs.

Google is now initiating talks with the automaker Ford Motor Co. in order to secure help in building autonomous cars. As per the source, if the deal gets finalized then it might be revealed in the upcoming International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January.

Google keeps mum on its talks with Ford

Google spokesperson has kept mum and declined to give any comment on this initiation of talks with Ford. But it should be noted that Google has increased its efforts in roping in new partners for the automobile world to give proper shape to its aims of bringing self-driving cars to the market by 2020.

Ford is an ideal partner for Google

It is quite logical for the Google to partner with an established automaker as it offers a remarkable way of building cars. It wouldn’t be feasible for the Google to ensure that tens of thousands of parts to be used in the cars could abide by the strict federal guidelines. Google will have to spend huge amount on developing plants and competencies, which are involved in building cars. But having Ford as the partner will help Google in leaving the manufacturing related decisions in the hands of seasoned car maker and it can lend its time towards improving the various aspects of the automation technology.

Ford looking for partners for its autonomous driving research

In the past year, Ford has been vocal about its autonomous driving research and it was actively looking for new partners. Ford was hoping to get some new startup and bigger companies to work together in order to improvise and revolutionalize the automotive industry on a bigger scale. The coming together of Ford and Google is a right as most of the automakers are planning the self-driving gradually by adding one feature at a time. But Google has aimed of bringing the first self driving car with complete automotive controls and devoid of any steering wheels or pedals.

Ford will benefit from partnering with Google

It is worth noting that Ford has been lagging behind most of its competitor and it has revamped its pace for developing the self-driving cars last year in order to get better of them. Ford has expanded its advanced safety technology, which includes a number of features from the automatic braking, hands free operation of cars and much more. Ford will be implementing most of its automotive functionalities and features in its global line over the next five years. Partnering with Google will benefit both the companies on a whole new level.

OSxLockdown: Apple OS X Tool To Audit For, And Remediate, Security Configuration Settings

OSxLockdown: Apple OS X Tool To Audit For, And Remediate, Security Configuration Settings.

osxlockdown was built to audit, and remediate, security configuration settings on OS X 10.11 (El Capitan).

This checks and flips various configuration settings. This is a compilation of numerous resources listed in the Resources section which could be converted to bash scripts. This is different than those resources in that instead of requiring the user to read a 100+ page doc, click through numerous GUIs, and try to decide if some esoteric output is good or bad, this tool combines all the steps into a single command. This tool is focused on enterprise deployments of OSX with regard to what it does, but made to be usable for stand-alone home users as well.

Running the command by itself will tell you which audit checks passed and failed. Adding the --remediate flag will fix the problems identified. The commands.json file may be edited to disable certain rules by setting enabled to false.

Warning: Many of the rules disable functionality in the name of security. This may make you sad.

Warning: System commands and dark arts are involved, so ensure you have your system backed up first.

Usage

Run sudo ./osxlockdown to check security settings. Run sudo ./osxlockdown --remediate to fix them.

Available command-line options:

--remediate: Apply fixes to the problems found. By default the tool only audits for problems.
--hide_summary: Hides the summary output the end.
--hide_passes: Only show issues that failed the audit.
--commands_file <filename>: Change the location of the commands file instead of the default commands.json in the current directory.

Sample output

$ sudo ./osxlockdown
[PASSED] Verify all application software is current
[PASSED] Enable Auto Update
[PASSED] Disable Bluetooth
[PASSED] Disable infrared receiver
[PASSED] Disable AirDrop
[PASSED] Enable "Set time and date automatically"
[PASSED] Set an inactivity interval of 10 minutes or less for the screen saver
[PASSED] Enable secure screen saver corners
[PASSED] Require a password to wake the computer from sleep or screen saver
[PASSED] Ensure screen locks immediately when requested
[PASSED] Disable Remote Apple Events
[PASSED] Disable Remote Login
[PASSED] Disable Internet Sharing
[PASSED] Disable Screen Sharing
[PASSED] Disable Printer Sharing
[PASSED] Disable Wake on Network Access
[PASSED] Disable File Sharing
[PASSED] Disable Remote Management
[PASSED] Enable FileVault
[PASSED] Enable Gatekeeper
[PASSED] Enable Firewall
[PASSED] Enable Firewall Stealth Mode
[PASSED] Disable signed apps from being auto-permitted to listen through firewall
[PASSED] Disable iCloud drive
[PASSED] Require an administrator password to access system-wide preferences
[PASSED] Complex passwords required
[PASSED] Disable IPv6
[PASSED] Disable Previews
[PASSED] Secure Safari by crippling it
--------------------------------------------------
Date: 2015-12-29T13:00:18-08:00
SerialNumber: C02XXXXXXXXX
HardwareUUID: XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX
Final Score 100%: Pass rate: 29/29


Limitations

• Some attempts have been made to check for things that a user likely would never enable anyway, but if they did would make the system insecure. However, it is impossible to check all such possibilities.
• Some security auditing requires manual review, such as what apps should have firewall exceptions, or permissions on files and folders. For such auditing, no rules have been created.
• File Vault (full disk encryption) is tested for, but can not be remediated because user involvement is required to write down the recovery key.
• Rules related to creating audit logs have not been created.

Download

Java Plugin Malware Alert to be issued by Oracle

Oracle is widely known for being behind the popular programming language called Java. Java is used for variety of purposes by the developer from making apps, games to even other robust programs. Oracle has issued an advisory where it has warned millions of Java users could get exposed to a malware threat which results due to the flaw in the software update tool. This particular plug-in is installed on a large number of PCS’s which allows them to run small programs written in the Java language.

Oracle has issued an alert for this malware threat on the social media as well as on its official website. US’s Federal Trade Commission is currently investigating the Oracle for any wrongdoing which isn’t a good time for the malware to emerge.

The threat of the Malware target

The reason for launching an investigation on Oracle can be summarized from the FTC’s complaint which states that Oracle was aware of number of security issues in the Java SE (standard edition) plug-in when it bought Java technology from its creator Sun in 2010. FTC has highlighted the flaws in the security system of the Java will can easily allow hackers to craft malware providing access to consumer’s usernames and passwords for the financial accounts. Apart from this malware can even be designed to feed of other vital and sensitive information which results in the attack on the user’s privacy. FTC has alleged that Oracle has been fooling its customers by asking them to install its updates which would ensure that their PC’s remain safe and secure. But Oracle had the firm knowledge that the Java has existing security issues.

Reasons for security issues in Java

The presence of security issues in the Java language is mainly attributed to Sun as it didn’t deleted the original update process in the earlier versions of the software before passing it on to Oracle. FTC states that it offers a great way for the hackers to exploit and launch their attacks on the PCs running Java.

Oracle has tried to address this issue but its update tools were only able remove the issues in latest version of Java but it left the earlier editions behind. Oracle only managed to rectify the problem in August 2014. In the current investigation being carried out by the FTC Oracle is not liable to plead ignorance as internal documents dating 2011 has stated that Java update mechanism is not aggressive enough or simply not working.

Trouble days for Java

Java is currently used to power a wide number of web browser base games, hat tools, and calculator and performs some other essential functions. Java also happens to be one of the top three applications which are targeted by the criminals. Most of the people don’t even know that it comes pre-installed on a large number of machines. FTC is recommending the business to stop using the java application or to remove them from their systems in order to remain safe secure from cyber threats. FTC is basically corned about the update procedures which are followed by the Oracle and it will not simply settle the problem by imposing a financial penalty.

After SpaceX Sticks its Landing, Elon Musk Talks about a City on Mars

Elon Musk Space Company did everything right this time to successfully launch a rocket in the space and bring it back to the earth. It seems like SpaceX is riding on the success of the Star Wars: Force Awakens, pun intended. It should be noted that last time SpaceX launched a rocket it blew up like a fireball which left Elon Musk red faced.

SpaceX writes a new chapter in space history

This time rocket has a flawless launch then it reappeared in the hemisphere and quietly settled down on the landing pas at Cape Canaveral. It was the first time that rocket has been able to successfully land after delivering the required devices in the orbit. This rocket even created the sonic boom, which was a deafening sound to be heard across the station. This speed sound was created when rocket started travelling through the air than the speed of sound.

Features of the iconic SpaceX rocket

SpaceX rocket, which created a sensation in the space exploration towers some 15 stories tall. A number of people and agencies in the space community have appreciated the SpaceX achievement in shooting a rocket into the space and bringing its back on the earth. It will help in commercializing space with such rockets, which can be used again and again with better precision and control.

Incidentally, the ability recover and reuse the first stage of rockets is the most expensive part as it houses the engines. This feature will certainly help in dramatically lowering the cost of the space travel and it will help in making the space travel much more accessible. Elon Musk went say that it will be much like having an aircraft, which can be used many while other aircraft can only be used once.

SpaceX rocket key to lowering costs of space travel and rocket development

The savings brought by the reusing the rockets in upcoming will help in lowering both the space travel costs along with lowering the cost of building rockets. The Falcon 9 rocket which was used by SpaceX costs around $60 million to build and the fuel costs around $200,000. Given the fact it can be reused again the cost of building a new rocket is simply taken out of the equation.

Musk has revealed its main aim of colonizing the Mars and the successful launch & landing of Flacon 9 shows that the same technology can be used to build powerful rocket in upcoming future. Elon Musk was hopeful that with more advancement and better use of technology he will be able to build a city on Mars someday.

Currently SpaceX is focusing on perfecting the landings and other aspect of the rockets. Along with Boeing, SpaceX happened to have contract with NASA to launch astronauts to the International Space Station. The first flight for this purpose is expected to take place in 2017 and it will mark the first time when US has launched astronauts into the space from the American soil.

Anonymous Claims To Have Smashed ISIS Terror Plot On Italy

Anonymous Claims To Have Smashed ISIS Terror Plot On Italy.

Hacktivist Group are working to shut down Social Media accounts and websites of ISIS. Now group launched the video and said,

"Anonymous from all over the world will hunt you down. You should know that we will find you and we will not let you go. Expect Massive Cyber Attacks. War is declared. Get Prepared"

In this month we are working in silence. We have already foiled 1 attack #ISIS against #Italy, we hope to block others. #OpParis #Anonymous

— #OpParis (@OpParisOfficial) December 28, 2015

Yes, 1 target has been stopped, a video will be released after the op is completed, no time to satisfy your curiosity, stay tuned.. #OpParis

— #OpParis (@OpParisOfficial) December 28, 2015

In the YouTube video Anonymous said,

“Anonymous is not an organisation, it is not a club, a party or even a movement. There is no charter, no manifest, no membership fees. All we are is people who travel together,” 

“We come from all racers, countries and ethnicities. We are many, we are your neighbours, your co-workers, your hairdressers, your bus drivers and your network administrators. We are the guy on the street with the suitcase. We are the girl in the bar you are trying to chat up. We are Anonymous.”

Anonymous already declared Cyber War on ISIS after the Paris attack.

• Anonymous Hacks ISIS Website 
• Anonymous Threatens Cloudflare for Protecting ISIS Propaganda Websites
• Hactivist Group Anonymous Declared War on ISIS For #ParisAttacks

How Your Credit Card Could Be Hacked

How Your Credit Card Could Be Hacked ?

Researchers Exploit Flaw In Credit Card Security Systems

The German researchers found, any card data may be easily stolen right off the terminals designed to protect it. This risk can not be easily fixed. Not only customers but shops can find this technology turned against them. Meanwhile banks are acknowledged of this problem but are reluctant to react to it.

On given interview to RT, Security researchers demonstrate that how it works.

“Previous attacks exploit software bugs, like you would have on your computer. Ones that can be fixed with a software update,” renowned German code-breaker Karsten Nohl of Security Research Labs in Berlin told RT’s Peter Oliver. “Now, what we’re attacking is the protocol itself. The devices work exactly as intended and are still vulnerable. So this is a risk that cannot easily be fixed with a patch."

“The companies responsible for these security vulnerabilities, including the banks – they certainly acknowledged the issue, but they are reluctant to react to it. They’re saying – ‘fraud is not happening yet’, but it’s just a matter of time. So, by not reacting now that it’s known – they’re adding insult to injury.”

“The security of the PIN number is not quite as high as one wanted to believe, hence every system relying on the PIN is less secure than previously thought,” Nohl adds.

Video Demonstration

How Can we Keep Secure?

• Never Give Any Personal Information, if they ask
• If your credit card gets loss then imidiate report to your Bank
• Never Give your Credit Card number on Phone or E-Mail
• Only make transaction on Https secure layout website. Mostly phishing website on http.
• Review your statements regularly to ensure there are no suspicious charges.
• Keep your cards away from things with magnets, which can erase the information stored on the card’s magnetic strip.

HoloLens: A Tour of Microsoft's New Developer Showcase

Virtual and augmented reality is relatively new and highly domain for major tech players to try their hands and stand out with remarkable products. Microsoft has shown a serious attitude to the virtual reality by developing a formidable and remarkable virtual reality device called HoloLens. HoloLens takes the virtual rending to a next level where one is not even required to wear goggles as HoloLens throws 3D simulations of holographic style experiences.

Many companies are gearing up to launch the first phase of VR devices by themed-2016 but Microsoft’s incredible HoloLens won’t be up for consumer sale for quite some time. Microsoft is planning to launch a $3000 developer edition of HoloLens next year. Here are some of the remarkable features of Microsoft’s HoloLens, which has been shown through demos.

Microsoft tryst with first demo HoloLens Game

Microsoft has first launched a HoloLens based game called Project X-Ray last year at the E3 video game expo. This HoloLens game came with a HoloLens headset, which scans the room with its 3D camera, and a host of glowing-ghost robo scorpions and drones starts to burst from the wall. A player is required to shoot these robo-scorpions with a head-mounted blaster. This particularly relies on the Xbox controller to showcase how the game can work in physical places.

Microsoft demo of second exciting HoloLens game

Microsoft showed the second demo for its HoloStudio which shows how the 3D designer can be created and done with the use of HoloLens in an exciting energetic manner. Herein one is required to simply open a virtual paint box and place it against the wall with the hell of finger. Users can pick up some models like island lagoon or X Wing fighter jet and starts painting with glowing colors just by waving the finger in the air. After playing with the 3D models one can even send the work to SketchFab for further sharing and changes. Microsoft is planning to bring support for the SketchFab with the HoloLens development kit next year. 3D models will even be printable in future with the help of 3D printers out.

Microsoft third demo brings holographic storytelling

Microsoft third demo brings the much captivating ‘holographic storytelling’ feature. The holographic storytelling essentially demonstrates how businesses, sales teams and other professionals can utilize HoloLens for building new ideas. In the demo Microsoft showed a glowing Swiss Smartwatch materialize on a square table in front of the public. Microsoft asserted that similar awe aspiring and captivating display can be used in the store which will lend a futuristic appeal to the audiences. The watch rendered by the HoloLens looked extremely alive, with impressive graphics and it almost seemed ticking like a real watch.

This futuristic display like features comes with a PowerPoint like deck control, which helps in editing the presentations along with adding new features. An analysis of glowing heat map shows a presenters details regarding the projection where people are most concentrating while watching the holographic and display and it also guides in added new details to capture interest to other parts.

Google Gets in on the Star Wars Fun with Clutch of Interactive Easter Eggs

After almost a decade Stars Wars saga comes live to the theatre this weekend and it has captivated the fans like cultural celebration frenzy. Google has even jumped the Star Wars bandwagon by rolling out the Easter eggs which offers an interactive way of fighting stormtroopers on the computers. Google has even gone further with overwhelming fan frenzy seen throughout the world by bringing Search text crawl with words –“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away”.

Google brings Stars Wars fun to browser

Google has introduced Lightsaber Escape on Wednesday, which is an old fashioned ‘rail shoooter’ style app which can be played in the Chrome browser. In order to play this highly interactive and simple game one has to have a fast internet connection.

Google has also launched a large Cardboard VR module specially designed for the Star Wars where users can interact with droids, watch the spaceship crashes like never and even receive about various alien worlds. It should be noted that this new Star Wars movie will reveal a new desert planet named ‘Jakku’.

Google has ascertained that marketing partnership during the run up for the Star Wars Force Awaken poses just minimal hardship to its staff. Clay Bavor, the vice president of product management at Google even said that their hall in data centers are filled with people dressed like Darth Vaders, stormtroopers and dogs dressed like Yoda, which shows the height of Star Wars frenzy.

Disney brings marketing push for Star Wars

Disney has launched a marketing blitz for Star Wars Force Awakens, which ranges into millions of dollars in expenses. It should be noted that Paramount has launched a similar marketing blitz to promote the Iron Man 2 where more than $100 million dollars were spent in marketing. Disney is known for utilizing its own platforms for cross-promoting the movies. Disney has launched the Star Wars promo and every Marvel trailer on its own TV network and on ABC during the Jimmy Kimmel Live show.

Disney gets together with Google for marketing push

Disney is feeling pressure of the shareholders after making $4 billion acquisition payout for the Star Wars. Disney is bringing some strategic advertising integration to make money out of the fan frenzy surrounding the Stars Wars saga new movie. The partnership with Google is a longstanding one which has been present since the launch of early smartphone Droid with branding partnership between Google Lucas Film and other popular hardware manufactures HTC and Motorola.

Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, has revealed in May that it will recruiting new fans along with some famous celebrities as a part of its adverting strategy for the film. Disney has justified its adverting and marketing spree around the Stars Wars by stating that a whole generation of people are not as much stepped in the Star Wars lore as the older generation. Hence, this marketing spree will help in connecting with the younger generation and it will educate them about the cultural significance of this incredible Star Wars franchise.

EA Server Hit By DDOS Attack

EA Server Hit By DDOS Attack

Hacking group Phantom Sqad  launching the DDOS atack on the XBox Live and PLaystation Network from 24 December to 31st December.

EA Server server was down for last three hours today, possibly DDOS attack by Phantom Sqaud.

Company apologize to customers and said,

Apologies for the inconvenience. We're working hard to resolve log in and connection issues which are currently affecting many game titles.

— EA Support (@AskEASupport) December 24, 2015

EA is currently experiencing an outage. EA games, services & support may be impacted. We’re working to resolve as fast as possible.

— EA Support (@AskEASupport) December 24, 2015

Whereas Phantom Squad has stopped attack on EA Servers.

At last EA server is back again

EA games & services are available. Support wait times may still be impacted. For 1x1 assistance, please contact us: https://t.co/5ruQb6pQ7D

— EA Support (@AskEASupport) December 24, 2015

EA is the one of largest game developing company. COmpany confirmed this attack for all the platforms including PC, PS4 and XBox One. This attack is just happened before Holidays.

3D Video Games Can Improve Your Memory

3D Video Games – Improves Memory Retention

A new research published in the Journal of Neuroscience shows that 3D video games could improve memory retention in individuals.It has been observed by the researchers at the University of California Irvine – UCI that playing three dimensional video games could help people to perform better at memory tests.

The researchers trace the improvements in spatial and visual memory back to activity in the hippocampus, the area of the brain which is responsible for the spatial navigation and memory formation. When engrossed in a 3D game, the hippocampus tends to get stimulated and makes the subject more skilled at memorising spaces as well as creating mental maps of their surround.

 This discovery could be utilised in formulating new methods of preventing and treating dementia and memory loss. Researchers have encouraged that same part of the brain in virtual reality in experiments enabling mice with digital maze to run through, 3D environments, manufactured one could sharpen their memories in remembering spaces. It seems that the same stimulation tends to happen to humans while entering an immersive 3D game.

3D Performers Better than 2D Players

In order to test it, the researchers carried out a series of experiments with 3D as well as 2D games to observe if the 3D element or other type of immersion could be responsible in boosting the memories of the brain. For instance, in one experiment, the subject were engaged in playing Super Mario 3D World and Angry Birds for around 30 minutes daily in the course of two weeks.

Another group was monitored playing League of Legends – 3D and Super Smash Brothers Brawl, 2D comparatively. On playing these games, they were then given an image based memory test – MST-LDI, wherein they were asked to remember a set of images and relate whether an image in a set were included in the first. The individuals were also asked to navigate through a virtual version of a Morris water mazethat test for spatial learning as well as memory.

It was observed by the researchers that those who played 3D games seemed to perform much better on those memory tests than those who had only played 2D games. The results could be observed on how Super Mario players beat Angry Birds players on visual memory test over a period of two weeks.

Immersive Video Games – Beneficial/Enriching Experiences

The paper states that there is a possibility that by avoiding a narrow focus on single or small set of cognitive domains and by closely paralleling natural experience, immersive video games could be beneficial in providing enriching experiences which can translate into functional gains. Though the indications mention that 3D games tends to benefit memory in a way which 2D games do not, the study also cautions against bearing traditional video games in with games which are specially designed for training of the brain.

The study tends to highlight that it is still not known if the hippocampus is stimulated by the overall complication or only by the spatial exploration. They have stated that these observations could help in the development of new ways of keeping the hippocampus strong and active as the person tends to age.

The researchers have also stated that environmental enrichment such as 3D video games or real life mazes to navigate could be a system of reversing age related cognitive deficits. Professor Stark comments that `it is often suggested that an active, engaged lifestyle could be a real factor in stemming cognitive ageing’.

World's First Brain-Powered Car Being Developed

Car Controlled Through Brain Signals of Driver

Automotive companies such as Nissan, Tesla and Toyota have informed that self-driving cars are likely to show up soon though it may not be the only futuristic automotive tech coming up. According to a report, at China’s Nankai University, a team have created a prototype of a car which is controlled through brain signals of the driver.

 According to the publication, the team have been working on a technology utilising brain signals in order to control a car to stop, move forward, backward, lock or unlock. One of the project researchers, Zhang Zhao had explained that the headgear contains around 16 electroencephalogram – EEG sensors which tend to identify the activity of the brain that is worn by the driver.

They have developed a computer program which tends to select the related signals, translating them inthe control of the car. The computer tends to examine and decode brain signals and translate the same to the relevant automotive commands. Zhang has informed that the `tester’s EEG signals picked up by the brain signal reading equipment and transmits wirelessly to the computer.

The computer processes the signals to sort and recognize the intention of the person and translate them in controlling the car. The central point of the whole procedure is to process the EEG signals which are done by the computer.

Self-Driving Cars Soon a Reality for Consumers

Improvement in the field of consumer vehicles is great with the company at a point of delivering partly autonomous cars. After several years of testing out the technology, Google has exposed its intentions of releasing smart automobiles within the next five years which is also supported by Toyota as well as Nissan.

They have both fixed 2020 as the year wherein self-driving cars would begin to be a reality for their consumers. The technology is said to be in progress wherein the researchers are at the stage where their cars which has been provided by Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors, could drive in a straight line with the use of brain power.

 The project is led by Dang Feng, associate Professor from the university’s College of Computer and Control Engineering. He highlighted that the technology is focused on serving human beings and there could be a possibility of combining brain controlled technology as well as driverless cars, like Google Self Driving Car – SDC.

Driving Method without Use of Hands/Feet for Disabled

He adds that driverless cars’ further improvement could bring about additional benefits since we can realise functions relating to brain controlling better, with the aid of the driverless cars’ platform. In the end, cars, irrespective of driverless or not and machines, would be serving people. In the project, it makes the cars better serving human beings.

The brain fuelled automotive project materialised from the desire to help physically handicapped people to drive, according to Duan Feng, an associate professor and project leader. There are two starting point of this project where the first one is in the provision of a driving method without the use of hands or feet for the disabled who may be unable to move freely while the second is to provide healthy person with a new and much more intellectualized driving mode according to Zhang. As per the team it is said that presently there are no plans to mass-produce the technology.

Five Must-Have Shopping Cart Features (And a Few Things to Avoid)

Aside from a great product or service and an engaging website, your shopping cart is probably one of the most important features of an eCommerce website. You want to find a design that's easy to locate, user-friendly and right for your type of business. Three are hundreds of options, designers and templates available, and each concept has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are five essential features that will make your shopping cart as efficient as possible, as well as common mistakes to avoid.

VISIBILITY

If your customers have trouble seeing the button or icon to make a purchase, they're likely to move on to another eCommerce site. Most shopping cart templates have several standard design layouts that are based on customer preferences and industry best practices to ensure optimal size and placement of critical features.

ONE-PAGE LAYOUT

Studies show that the more complicated the checkout process, the more likely you are to have problems with abandoned carts and canceled transactions. The most favorable checkout process consists of one checkout page that's accessible by a clearly identifiable button or icon from each page of your website. The checkout page should include a summary of shopping cart contents, product details and a mechanism for editing your order.

USE ICONS

Even if they spend hours browsing, when it comes to checkout time, most consumers want to complete their purchase and move on as fast as possible. One way to make the process easier for your guests is to provide icons in lieu of text whenever possible.

USE A SIMPLE DESIGN

In addition to one-page checkout systems, the design of the final order page should provide a simple table format, with large, easy to identify fields. Numeric fields should update automatically as items are added or removed, and any taxes or shipping costs should be clearly spelled out and added to the total in a line-by-line format.

PROVIDE SEVERAL HELP OPTIONS

A good way to provide superior customer support is to give the customer plenty of guidance to help facilitate their transaction. Features like providing sample text on or below input fields on your forms, clearly labeling basic elements and adding a clickable question mark icon to explain unfamiliar processes will help provide a more hassle-free process.

What NOT to Do

- Don't use cutesy names - pocketbook, basket, or 'My' anything - for your shopping cart. Simplicity is key; it's a shopping cart, leave it at that.

- Don't over-complicate the process

- Don't require registration before allowing visitors to buy

Not all shopping cart eCommerce software is created equally, so it pays to shop around for a provider who offers a variety of templates and designs, or who can customize your shopping cart to suit the needs of your business. If you're not sure what will work best, a web design company that specialized in eCommerce websites is a good place to start. You can also browse different websites to get an idea

Java Developers Can Dish Out Tastier Web Apps with JSweet

Java developers get a sweet treat this Christmas by the launch of the JSweet via open source. JSweet will the java developers in utilizing their Java skills for building much better and highly interactive and rich Web Apps with JSweet. This particular technology ‘transpiles’ from Java programming language to TypeScript and finally into JavaScript. TypeScript is essentially a Microsoft technology, which compiles programming codes into JavaScript. JSweet has been developed by a Paris based software engineering company, Chincheo, which aimed at making the life of Java bit fun and easier in building Web apps.

Thought behind developing JSweet

Cincheo CEO Renauld Pawlak has shed some light behind the reasons for developing JSweet. He stated that in last couple of years TypeScript found widespread usage as it helped in transpiling to JavaScript in an efficient fashion. Java developer were longing for a light and simple approach which can help in designing the Web application in Java with similar efficiency. Most of the developers were frustrated with the idea of running everything in Java on a JRE. While a large number of developers were impressed with what can achieved with distinction through using TypeScript/JavaScript on the front end.

JSweet thus helps in offering a light and simple solution for adding bits of Java syntax to TypeScript. It is a great alternative to the Java developers for developing real Web application with ease.

Java still a great language for developing various apps and programs

Java has been known to cause confusion with its elaborate and complex syntax and functions, which led to the rise in adoption of other coding languages. But Pawlak still considers the Java as a good platform and safer language for the programmers to develop more powerful and rich apps. Java still retains its supremacy in developing efficient and scalable large complex applications than any other language.

JSweet has also made the accommodation for Node.js, which is a popular server side JavaScript platform. Pawlak ahs elaborated that JSweet works in same tandem with Node.js as TypeScript does but the difference is that it adds types. It is a small but quite an interesting difference which it a more transparent way of handling commonjs module for the java programmers.

The benefits and difficulty associated with JSweet

JSweet comes with pre defined @Module annotation, which can be generated automatically when a programmer makes use of the APIs. Here a programmer is just required to import the right packages and that also without the need of knowing all about JavaScript modules.

JSweet is designed to cross validate the Java Programs and the Java API with TypeScript. It also has a JSweet API translator Tool which can make JavaScript APIs available in Java. But Pawlak has the cautioned the programmers from making its wider usage as there are few issues with this technology which needs to be remedied. Pawlak has also asked the Java developer to remain open minded while programming with JSweet as they have to do away with some Java logic.

Now Yahoo Notifies You of Any Suspected State-Sponsored Attack

Now Yahoo Notifies You of Any Suspected State-Sponsored Attack

After Facebook and Twitter Yahoo gives the warning that have been tarted by a state-sponsored actor.

Company Chief Information Security Officer Bob Lord said,

Yahoo will now notify you if we strongly suspect that your account may have been targeted by a state-sponsored actor.  We’ll provide these specific notifications so that our users can take appropriate measures to protect their accounts and devices in light of these sophisticated attacks.

We also strongly encourage you to protect yourself outside of your Yahoo account:

• Don’t fall for phishing attacks! Don’t click links if you’re not sure about them. 
• Yahoo will never ask you to provide your account information via email. If an email includes a link to Yahoo that asks for your password, close the window and sign in via https://login.yahoo.com directly.
• Install anti-virus software on your computer and ensure that your computer and other devices have all the latest security updates applied.
• Review the account security guidelines posted by other services you use. For example, social networks, financial institutions, and other email providers. Follow their guidelines to secure those accounts, too.

It’s important to note that if you receive one of these notifications, it does not necessarily mean that your account has been compromised. Rather, we strongly suspect that you may have been a target of an attack, and want to encourage you to take steps to secure your online presence. In addition, these warnings to our users do not indicate that Yahoo’s internal systems have been compromised in any way.

Last week Twitter warned their users about State-Sponsored attacks.

In October Facebook warned users to secure the accounts and recommend to protect the account with strong password.

Meanwhile in June 2012, Google have given security warning for State-Sponsored attack.

Moto 360 Sport, Meet Your New Workout Partner

Android Wear market is growing through a crazy phase where every month new wearables are making to the stores and constant innovation is helping in bringing more features to the devices. The latest version of Moto 360 sport shows remarkable improvement over its predecessor Moto 360 in terms of design and features. It is quick and concise of review of the Moto 360 Sport on basis of its first impressions, which is very amazing and impressive.

Moto 360 Sport hardware stands out from the crowd

The Moto 360 Sport comes with integrated silicone band, which is not changeable though. The internals of the Moto 360 Sport 42 mm model is similar to the earlier model with an addition of a GPS receiver. There is new display on this Smartwatch, which is named Motorola AnyLight Hybrid Display technology, which easily adapts with the environment.

It works like a traditional backlit display in low light situation and in the sunlight as front-lit reflective display. Motorola has provided an extended back button, which is located on the upper right side, and mic is located on the lower side. Motorola has carefully positioned the heart rate monitor on the center of the back. Motorola has covered the display with Gorilla Glass 3 surrounded by a ring of metal, which makes it more elegant.

Moto 360 Sport is a performance driven Sartwatch

The Moto 360 Sport runs on the Android Wear 1.3.0.x OS which is based on the popular Android 5.1.1 and it performs flawlessly with no glitches. It has a 300 mAh battery and runs o the 1.2Ghz quad core QUALCOMM Snapdragon 400 processor and has a 4GB of interNal storage with 512 MB of RAM.

Motorola has added some new fitness focused apps as well as a fitness watch face. These apps are called Moto Body and Moto Body Running while the watch face is called Sport, which provides status right in the top of display and a tap for accessing more options.

Users can easily view their heart rate, set goals for various exercises and get some interesting and accurate stats in the results at the end. Moto 360 Sport has a Start button near the middle of the display, which launches the Moto Body Running app where users can select different options before they start their run. Motorola 360 Sport is great at tracking the different exercises along with the calories count burned.

How Moto 360 Sport fares in tests? 

Motorola Moto 360 Sport is very nicely designed and its performance is amazing even though very few tests were performed in short time. First of all this watch is incredibly responsive and it brings one of the best displays ever seen on an Android Wear watch. Motorola 360 Sport will be launching in US In January and it will come with a base price of $299.99. And if you are looking up a smart and a performance driven Android Wear in New Year then keep this watch in your buying list.

How Boring is Your Face? Ask the 'MemNet' Algorithm

Ever thought of knowing how good your face looks in the pictures captured by the selfie cameras. A group of scientists at the MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory has developed a unique computer algorithm which can easily measure ‘’how memorable an image is’. One is just required to feed the photo from the Instagram feed and the MemNet algorithm will simply show the portion of the images, which are most likely to stick in the memories of viewers. Scientist has even uploaded a version of this algorithm online for everyone to try out.

What is MemNet? 

MmeNet is a deep-learning algorithm, which is designed by the scientist at MIT. Deep learning algorithm is quite hard to develop as they are built to acquire and incorporate new information, which helps in improving their abilities without any manipulation or control of human programmers. Deep learning technologies work in its own unique manner as essentially mimics the neural pathways which area associated with the human learning. This helps deep learning algorithm in repurposing the same logic and understanding for various different skill sets.

MemNet to get better at reading images

MemNet is expected to improve its ability to read images and predict an images’ indelibility by simply processing more and more information over time. These computer scientists have released the MemNet version for the common users to try and with prediction; it will improve its ability of reading faces with more accuracy.

MemNet was first endowed with the basic required skill sets by the MIT scientists through uploading of thousands of images and associated data. The metadata fed to the MemNet basically included the information about each image’s popularity and the emotional impact as determined by the online viewers. When asked to predict the memorable parts within a picture MemNet performed as good as human.

The lead study author, Aditya Khosla, stated that understanding the memorability will help us in making systems, which can capture the most important information, and it can even help in storing the information which are most likely to be forgotten by the humans. Visual images are mostly preferred by a large number of institutions to send across the messages but MemNet can help it making more memorable than before.

Future prospect of the MemNet algorithm

MemNet is not much better at the task of measuring the memorability than any other human but researchers are hopeful it will get better over time. It creates a heatmap to show the memorable part and boring part of each image, which happens to the key elements in understanding the memorability level of the pictures. This algorithm can help the marketers and even the movie makers in editing their images in such a manner than it stays inside the head of the customers and viewers. MemNet can also help people in learning various things easily and efficiently too. People tend to assimilate and forget things more often but the research in developing MemNet opens up a new avenue. It has the potential to improve the people’s memory they are presented with the memorable images.

Facebook’s Artificial-Intelligence Software Gets a Dash More Common Sense

Artificial-Intelligence Researchers – Learn some of the Basic Physical Common Sense

In an attempt to discover how computers could learn some of the basic physical common sense, artificial intelligence researchers have undertaken a project for the same. For instance to comprehend unsupported objects tend to fall or a large object does not fit inside a smaller one, seems to be the main way human tend to predict, communicate and explain regarding the world.

Chief technology officer of Facebook, Mike Schroepfer, state that if machines are to be more useful, they would need the same type of good judgment of understanding. He had informed at a preview recently of results, he would share at the Web Summit in Dublin, Ireland, that they have got to teach computer systems to comprehend the world in the same way. Human beings at a young age, tend to learn the basic physics of reality and by observing the world.

Facebook had drawn on its image processing software in creating a technique which learned to predict if a stack of virtual blocks would tumble. The software tends to study by gaining access to images of virtual stacks or at times two stereo images like those that form a pair of eyes.

Crafting Software – Comprehend Images/Language of Deep Learning

It had been shown in the learning phase, that several various stacks some of which had toppled while the others did not. The simulation showed the learning software the result and after adequate examples, it was capable of predicting for itself with 90% accuracy if a certain stack would possibly tumble. Schroepfer comments that if one runs through a series of tests, it would beat most of the people.

Facebook’s artificial intelligence research group in New York had done the research. It concentrated on crafting software which could comprehend images as well as language utilising a technique of deep learning. Recently the group also showed off a mobile app with the potential of answering queries regarding the content of photos.

The director of the group, Yann LeCun who is also a professor at NYU, informed MIT Technology Review that the system for predicting when block would topple indicates that more complex physical simulation could be utilised in teaching additional basic principles of physical common sense. He added that `it serves to create a baseline if we train the systems uncontrolled and it would have adequate power to figure thing out like that’.

Memory Network

His group had earlier created a system known as `memory network’ which could pick up some of the basic common sense as well as verbal reasoning abilities by reading simple stories and now progressed, in helping in influencing a virtual assistant that Facebook tends to test known as M. M has more potential than Apple’s Siri or similar apps since it is powered by bank of human operators.

 However Facebook expects that they would steadily tend to become less important as the software learns to pitch queries for itself. Schroepfer informs that adding the memory network to M is showing how that could happen. By observing the interactions between people utilising M as well as the responds of customer service, it has learned already how to manage some of the common queries.

Facebook has not made a commitment of turning M into a widely available product; however Schroepfer states that the results indicate how it could be possible. He adds that the system has figured this out by observing humans and that they cannot afford to hire operators for the entire world but with the right AI system, they could organize that for the whole planet.

HexPADS, A Host-based, Performance-counter-based Attack Detection System

HexPADS, A Host-based, Performance-counter-based Attack Detection System

Current systems are under constant attack from many different sources. Both local and remote attackers try to escalate their privileges to exfiltrate data, to escalate privileges, or to gain arbitrary code execution. 

While inline defense mechanisms like DEP, ASLR, or stack canaries are important, they have a local, program centric view and miss some attacks. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) use runtime monitors to measure current state and behaviour of the system to detect an attack orthogonal to active defenses.

Attacks change the execution behavior of a system. Our attack detection system HexPADS detects attacks through divergences from normal behavior using attack signatures. HexPADS collects information from the operating system on runtime performance metrics with measurements from hardware performance counters for individual processes.

Cache behavior is a strong indicator of ongoing attacks like rowhammer, side channels, covert channels, or CAIN attacks. Collecting performance metrics across all running processes allows the correlation and detection of these attacks. In addition, HexPADS can mitigate the attacks or significantly reduce their effectiveness with negligible overhead to benign processes.

Installation

Adjust src/hexpads.h to select a specific mitigation and then ''make'' in the src/ directory. Compilation was tested with clang and gcc on Ubuntu 15.04 and 15.10 on x86-64.

Test

Keep ./src/hexpads running in a terminal. In a second terminal, enter the ./test directory and run any of the following attacks:

$ ./test.sh CAIN
$ ./test.sh C6
$ ./test.sh CSC
$ ./test.sh rowhammer

CAIN was developed by Antonio Barresi, C6 by Clementine Maurice, CSC by Daniel Grauss, and rowhammer by P0 at Google. The source code of their software can be found in their repositories. The test directory contains pre-compiled versions for x86-64 on Ubuntu 15.10.

Depending on the mitigation you have selected you need to take special measures to kill the test process. E.g., with SIGSTOP you have to kill the corresponding process from another terminal as it was stopped on the current screen.

Download

Ubuntu Patches New Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities Including Raspberry Pi 2

Ubuntu Patches New Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities Including Raspberry Pi 2

There are four security issues that found in the Linux kernel packages of Ubuntu 15.10 (Wily Werewolf), Ubuntu 15.04 (Vivid Vervet), Ubuntu 14.04 LTS (Trusty Tahr), and Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin).

First and second security discovered in Ubuntu 14.10 LTS Linux kernel (Vivid HWE) and (Wily HWE) vulnerabilities

Felix Wilhelm discovered a race condition in the Xen paravirtualized drivers which can cause double fetch vulnerabilities. An attacker in the paravirtualized guest could exploit this flaw to cause a denial of service (crash the host) or potentially execute arbitrary code on the host.

Third Vulnerability in Linux kernel (Raspberry Pi 2) vulnerability

Jann Horn discovered a ptrace issue with user namespaces in the Linux kernel. The namespace owner could potentially exploit this flaw by ptracing a root owned process entering the user namespace to elevate its privileges and potentially gain access outside of the namespace.
(http://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1527374)

Fourth Vulnerability in Linux kernel Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Trusty HWE) and 14.04 LTS (Utopic HWE) vulnerabilities

Konrad Rzeszutek Wilk discovered the Xen PCI backend driver does not perform sanity checks on the device's state. An attacker could exploit this flaw to cause a denial of service (NULL dereference) on the host.

To update your system, please follow these instructions: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Security/Upgrades.

Gorilla Glass is Making to Cars after Becoming a Dominant Force in Smartphones

Almost every Smartphone nowadays features the Gorilla Glass because of its scratch resistant and strong protective feature. Corning Inc, which is behind the manufacturing of Gorilla Glass has stated that this glass is going to be used in cars after featuring on billions of mobile phones on global scale. Car makers will be making use of Gorilla Glass in order to save weight of their vehicles and to improve the fuel economy.
BMW and Ford set to use Gorilla Glass in cars

Gorilla Glass being used in the car isn’t new as BMW AG was the first car maker to utilize this in the interior panel of the i8 hybrid sports car. Ford Motor Co is all set to use the Gorilla Glass in the windshield and rear window for its upcoming new Ford GT sports car, which will go on sale next year. Ford GT will also feature a Gorilla Glass engine cover.

What makes Gorilla Glass much better than available options? 

The earlier windshields were made up of two layers of specifically heat treated annealed glass and it has a plastic layer in between. Therefore, traditional glass formed the spider web pattern when it broke down and the pieces remain stuck to the plastic layer, which helped in preventing injury to passengers. Gorilla Glass meets U.S. safety standards and it happens to tougher than traditional annealed glass, which makes it an ideal choice for cars.

Exceptions from using this glass

Gorilla Glass is great in every manner but it does have some limitations in usage. Ford won’t be using the Gorilla Glass for the side windows of the GT and it will be made of tempered glass. Automakers have to rely on suing the tempered glass on side windows because it can be breaking into pieces when someone has to exit the car in a crash. Having a Gorilla Glass will mean adding a layer of plastic over the glass, which will turn it into unbreakable, which can put people lives in danger during crash. However the business director of Corning’s automotive glass business has stated that they are working on a different version of Gorilla Glass which be used throughout the vehicle.

Everything isn’t in favor of Gorilla Glass

Gorilla Glass has been used in the consumer electronics since 2007 and Corning made its foray in the automotive glass in 2012. In order to meet the stricter fuel economy standards several automakers are looking at various options to reduce weight in cars. Weight happens to be the enemy of the car, which seriously hampers the process of reaching awesome fuel economy in automobiles. Corning Glass does offer help in saving weight but it is quite expensive than the traditional glass. Gorilla glass costs $2 to $4 more per pound in weight than the traditional glass. To summarize Ford will be able to save 12 pounds on GT, which will mean spending $12 to $48, more on the car. An expensive car like GT which comes at price tag of $400,000 can easily absorb this expensive but mainstream car can’t.

Google Brings Project Fi Data Service to iPads, Nexus and Galaxy Tablets

Google has unrelieved its Project Fi service quite a while back in order to offer a carrier like option and benefits to its users. Project Fi gained popularity for its ‘pay what you use’ mantra, which was available to only few devices. Now Google has brought its efficient Project Fi to a larger group of devices which at the moment is limited to five tablets but Google has maintained any tablet equipped with radio compatible T-Mobile’s network will work with it efficiently. The first four supported tablets include the iPad mini 4, iPad Air 2, Galaxy Tab S, Nexus 7 and Nexus 9.

What is Project Fi? 

If you are wondering what is Project Fi then it can be stated as a prepaid phone carrier offering from Google. It works by providing mobile data service on two mobile networks which any phone can switch automatically as per the use. It even makes use of WiFi for making calls, sending texts whenever it is available. Project Fi is essentially a prepaid carrier wherein consumers are to pay up front for the service, which is quite opposite to traditional carrier, which bills consumers after using the service. Project Fi works with a special SIM card and it requires a little software on user’s phone, which will help in authenticating both T Mobile and Sprint carriers.

How to get the Project Fi? 

Project Fi customers can order a data only SIM card by going to their account page. In the Project Fi there is no charge levied on the card and data usage is billed on the standard rate of service which is $10 per GB during the billing cycle.

It is worth mentioning that the data usage for the tablet simply shares the same billing account as standard voice, text and data plane in Project Fi. It even allows users to see the data usage for tablets each month separately from the data usage on phone. And the best feature about Project Fi is that just like the phone service if you don’t use full data allotment on tablet then you won’t be paying for it. Google happens to credit Project Fi accounts monthly, which in essence means you, are only paying for what you use.

Benefits of opting for the Project Fi

Some of the Project Fi users love the data only SIM offering. User can use their phone with Project Fi SIM to tether a tablet over WiFi. In case the battery dies, the tablet will cease to have any mobile broadband connection. People who have to travel a lot appreciate this new SIM card as it provides data in more than 120 countries all round the globe.

There is a small limitation in Project Fi data service, which is Google, only allows 9 data specific SIM cars on each FI account. It won’t be an issue unless you are carrying 10 devices with yourself. Google has brought the Project Fi service both the popular mobile platform of Android and iOS and you make most of it on your tablet with style.

Facebook Claims Future As It Builds On Chinese Rivals

Facebook doesn’t seem to sit back even after becoming the de facto social media giant in terms of daily active users and incredible reach round the globe. Facebook once again takes the world by storm by announcing its new feature for the Messenger users where they can order an Uber car from the Messenger app itself. Facebook has turned its simple messaging client into a wholesome platform and it is pushing it hard to be seen as a leader in the West.

How Messenger became a platform? 

The platform and its definitions have been heard since the inception of internet. First we have had CPU where operating system platform was heard, then Linux development brought the platform of kernerl and later on we were enveloped by the web as platform for the enterprise and finally even the web browser became a dominant platform in itself with the development of Chromebook. Facebook and some other websites are even proclaiming them to be a platform with various benefits and features.

Facebook has gradually worked and developed the Messenger to such a point where it is being pushed forward as a platform. The move of Facebook and Uber coming together on a single platform i.e. Messenger is interesting and it showcases the Messenger capabilities and might even help in making a dominant platform. But Facebook IM client-Messenger is not alone there are a lot of competition in Silicon Valley with players like WhatsApp, Apple Messages and Skype which offers more features, services and benefits as a platform.

Facebook takes the Chinese rivals head on

It will come as surprise for the consumers in west that Facebook and Silicon Valley is rather behind the curve on the idea of ‘’messaging as a platform”. China has been a remarkable force in the hardware production they have taken a huge leap in the ‘messaging as a platform’ by working on developer outreach, user education along with the commercial implementation and mass-market adoption. It was the China’s TenCent’s WeChat which came first as successful platform in messaging by offering voice and text messaging along with ability to purchase good and pay for various services. WeChat also allows a number of services to run on the top of the messaging app which makes it easier for the customers, clients and other businesses to interact with each other.

Messenger as a platform is soon to rise to the challenge

Facebook’s decision of allowing people to order an Uber cab via its Messenger opens up the idea of utilizing it as a platform on larger level. But competition will reach out to Facebook soon as other Silicon Valley companies are gearing up to allow running of more services on top of the messaging app. There is one distinct advantage which Facebook has over Chinese rivals that is Chinese platforms are mostly resting to China only which gives Facebook a whole world to try push its Messenger as a platform.