Smart fur might see more sentient robotic pets

post from Ubergizmo on 06 March 2012 12:42:14 PM. © Ubergizmo

Owning a pet dog is definitely fulfilling, as man’s best friend knows how to accompany you whenever you feel down and the whole world is collapsing around you, offering a tummy rub to brighten up your day. However, there are those of us who hate cleaning up after our pets, which is why a robotic dog like the discontinued Sony Aibo makes for an alternative choice. The Aibo came in a shiny package, and definitely lacked the fur that a real dog has, but all of that might change in the future with the introduction of what is known as ‘smart fur’. A robotic bunny developed at the University of British Columbia has this ‘smart fur’ on the outside, where it is said to be able to mediate its users’ emotions, calming them down or cheering them up by letting users go through deep-breathing exercises. Not only that, the robo-bunny even comes with a pulse, and is able to stiffen or relax its ears. Something tells me that if this technology is perfected, George Lucas might just come up with an interactive Chewbacca toy that boasts ‘smart fur’ all over.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Tour Guide Robot to boost tourist arrivals?, A robot that controls humans,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/smart-fur-robo-bunny/

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Temple Run for Android coming March 27th

post from Ubergizmo on 06 March 2012 12:35:31 PM. © Ubergizmo

Heard of Imangi Studios before? This unique 3-person studio was the tour de force behind the huge hit Temple Run, and since it was released in August 2011, it had been downloaded by 6% of America’s population, where Android users had to just sit back and play other games since Temple Run was meant for the iOS platform. Well, all of that will change when March 27th rolls around, as that particular date is when Temple Run will be released for the Android platform. Temple Run remained the Top Grossing App as well as Top Free App in the App Store rankings for January this year, so perhaps the same might apply to the Android platform at the end of April. This game will see players test their reflexes while they race down ancient temple walls and along sheer cliffs. Gameplay can be said to be infinite if you play a flawless game, going around collecting coins as you jump, slide and run to escape the evil monkeys who guard the temple while doing your utmost best to avoid obstacles. [Press Release]

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: ASUS Transformer TF101 to get fix for ICS bugs, ZTE Optimus Barcelona shows up at Bluetooth SIG website, name is confusing,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/temple-run-for-android-coming-march-27th/

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Microsoft has new Skype Certified webcams and
headsets

post from Ubergizmo on 06 March 2012 12:29:28 PM. © Ubergizmo

Getting peripherals that have certification from a certain hardware or software company might be a wee bit more expensive, but at least it offers peace of mind, as you know for sure that it will work when plugged in, no matter what. For folks who spend plenty of time over Skype, Microsoft intends to make all of those minutes well worth the wait, thanks to a bunch of peripherals that will carry the “Skype Certified” seal. The entire gamut of Microsoft HD webcams and USB Microsoft headsets are Skype Certified, and can be picked up from the Skype Shop. We are talking about the LifeCam HD-3000, the LifeCam HD-5000, the LifeCam HD-6000, the LifeCam Cinema, LifeCam Studio, LifeChat LX-3000, Life Chat LX-4000 and Life Chat LX-6000. Assuming you are still in the market for a headset or webcam to use with Skype, it is safe to say that the search ends here. [Press Release]

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Skype for Windows Phone beta arriving soon?, Windows Phone Skype app going gold soon,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/microsoft-skype-certified-webcams-and-headsets/

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Man gets caught trying to smuggle iPhones into
China

post from Ubergizmo on 06 March 2012 12:25:37 PM. © Ubergizmo

video details and more

Since iPhones sell for $125 more in China than they do in Hong Kong, quite a number of smugglers have been bringing phones across the border to make a quick buck. Well, one smuggler that had the same idea wasn’t so lucky when he was caught by security. The security guards noticed something was amiss when the smuggler had trouble bending over to pick up his suit case. Needless to say, after a thorough checkup, they discovered 30 iPhones strapped around his body. Watch the video above that shows some pretty funny footage of the smuggler being caught red-handed.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: iPhone-branded stoves seized in China, Concept Apple iPhone is amusing,

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iRobot 110 FirstLook to enter military service

post from Ubergizmo on 06 March 2012 12:24:01 PM. © Ubergizmo

When it comes to war, man and machine will work in tandem in order to achieve victory across all fronts, no matter the cost. Of course, this is the rallying cry of this day and age, but in earlier years before technology became so pervasive, it was just man and animal, with the calvary charging downhill towards the enemy camp. Well, we first took a gander at the iRobot 110 FirstLook last year, and it seems that this robot has been drafted for military use. This robot is unique, as it is hardy enough to survive throws (which it was meant to go through anyway) to a place deemed to be too dangerous for a foot soldier to check it out himself. Upon landing, this robot will self-right itself if it lands belly up, and will send video back to headquarters thanks to its quartet of integrated cameras, in addition to sending radio communication. Seems like the perfect spy bot that will definitely catch unsuspecting enemy soldiers by surprise before they realize what it is.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: iRobot Warrior to go on sale this year, iRobot 110 FirstLook: a small robot spy on wheels,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/irobot-110-firstlook-to-enter-military-service/

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Google updates Chrome Web browser ahead of
hacking competition

post from Ubergizmo on 06 March 2012 12:21:36 PM. © Ubergizmo

Chrome logo Remember our earlier story of Google offering up to $1 million in prize money to people who are able to find a vulnerability in their Chrome Web browser? I guess those who have long been preparing at home in anticipation of the Pwn2Own contest will be disappointed to hear that the Internet search giant had already fixed another 14 holes, a trio of days before the Pwn2Own event kicks off. This latest version will see a version number of 17.0.963.65, where it will fix errors with cursors, backgrounds and plug-ins not loading, in addition to issues with copying and pasting text and using touch controls on websites. Not only that, the latest version of Adobe Flash Player will also be included, where fans of the “Plants vs. Zombies” app will be able to resume their zombie repelling moments. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Facebook Messenger for Windows launched, MakiBox 3D printer is cheaper than the iPad,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/google-updates-chrome-web-browser-ahead-of-hacki
ng-competition/

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Verizon Wireless HomeFusion wireless broadband

post from Ubergizmo on 06 March 2012 12:12:12 PM. © Ubergizmo

Verizon Wireless has just announced a spanking new version of their wireless broadband service that was specially designed to see action in rural as well as remote homes which are unable to be on the receiving end of DSL or cable. I guess anything to make sure the rest of the country gets connected is always a good thing, and broadband is a far better option than sending smoke signals to one another, don’t you think so? The service from Verizon Wireless is known as HomeFusion, and it might not only be confined to homes that do not have any form of connectivity, as homes where DSL remains the only fixed-line option might also consider subscribing to HomeFusion as it will be faster compared to the majority of other DSL services. It will cost around $60 monthly for 10GB of data, amounting to 10 hours of HD-quality video over an Internet streaming service such as Netflix. I guess this is meant to target those who want a speedy Internet connection for reading news, checking their stock price and sending emails. Video streaming should be avoided at all costs.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Verizon leaked outs 16GB Galaxy Nexus and Incredible 4G release dates, Verizon rumored to have cancelled a Nokia Windows Phone,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/verizon-wireless-homefusion-wireless-broadband/

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LulzSec top dog works for FBI now, is a turncoat

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Unfortunately for members of the computer hacking group LulzSec, this particular saying has rubbed them to wrong way simply because one of the top members decided to play turncoat and work for the FBI instead, and this has led to a spate of arrests of the top hierarchy of the LulzSec hacking group across the globe. Hector Xavier Monsegur has been identified to be LulzSec’s main spokesperson, and he played the role of an informant for the FBI ever since the game was up for him, and he got arrested. I guess all “good things” come to an end, and batting for the side of the good guys does have his benefits, although the other members of LulzSec will not look upon him too kindly. Hopefully there are no ties to any underworld figures, otherwise it might end up rather messy. What do you think of Hector’s about turn?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: AnonPlus gets defaced again, this time by Syrian hackers, #Antisec hackers release 10GB of law enforcement data,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/lulzsec-top-dog-works-for-fbi-now-is-a-turncoat/

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Samsung DV300F now available for purchase

Right into the second day of the new year, we talked about the Samsung DV300F – which makes perfect sense, as CES 2012 was just around the corner, and companies were rushing to get information concerning their products out to different news agencies and portals. The Samsung DV300F is no exception, where it will continue with the DualView line’s most famous feature – that is, an additional 1.5″ LCD display in front the camera that will come in handy if you love shooting self portraits for your Facebook photo albums. Of course, the other use for it would be to play a short and yet entertaining clip that intends to capture the attention of kids while you are busy trying to compose a family portrait. Apart from that, the Samsung DV300F remains the first DualView model that integrates wireless technology for instant storage and sharing on Facebook, Picasa, PhotoBucket and YouTube. It is ready to be purchased at a pocket friendly price of $199.99 – you can read the rest of its specifications and functions in our previous story. [Press Release]

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Samsung ST200F and DV300F WiFi cameras hit the FCC, Samsung WB150F offers long zoom photo opportunities ,

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http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/03/samsung-dv300f/

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Samsung WB150F offers long zoom photo
opportunities

Samsung might be relatively new to the digital photography market, but that does not mean that they lack proficiency in this market. In fact, I would say that they have done quite well for themselves in terms of the entry level and mid-range markets, and the Samsung WB150F is yet another model which was just released. This digital camera enhances the advanced optical zoom and image quality which the WB range of cameras are famous for, boasting wireless capability so that you are able to save and share images without the need for hooking up the Samsung WB150F to a computer via a USB cable. (more…)