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PlayStation (Games)

Playstation Controller Runs Syrian Rebel Tank 232

A reader writes "As Syria's rebels work to overthrow the tank-equipped Assad regime, they've learned that it helps to have tanks of their own. They deserve bonus points for integrating video game technology. This is no exaggeration. Have a look at the opposition forces' "100 percent made in Syria" armored vehicle, the Sham II. Named for ancient Syria and assembled out of spare parts over the course of a month, the Sham II is sort of rough around the edges, but it's got impressive guts. It rides on the chassis of an old diesel car and is fully encased in light steel that's rusted from the elements. Five cameras are mounted around the tank's outside, and there's a machine gun mounted on a turning turret. Inside, it kind of looks like a man cave. A couple of flat screen TVs are mounted on opposite walls. The driver sits in front of one, controlling the vehicle with a steering wheel, and the gunner sits at the other, aiming the machine gun with a Playstation controller."
Google

Submission + - YouTube Launches Face Blur Tool To Protect Protesters (techweekeurope.co.uk)

judgecorp writes: "YouTube has added a tool which automatically detects and anonymises faces in uploaded videos. YouTube parent Google says it is intended to allow dissidents in places like Syria to share videos without risking reprisals form the government — but it warned that this is not an exact science, so users should check videos through before making them public."
Microsoft

Submission + - Microsoft's Windows 8: tragic mistake or stroke of genius? (sciencefictionworld.com) 1

bowman9991 writes: "When Windows 8 hits 26 October with multiple new tablets, PC desktop machines and ultra-books (and a new version of Microsoft Office), PC users everywhere will suddenly be faced with Microsoft's radically designed "Metro" user interface. Have Microsoft made a massive mistake by introducing an operating system that appears at first glance to be focused on touch and tablets when the majority still use non-touch machines? Or have they built a software system that will impress and thrive on any hardware form factor? Windows Vista or the greatest unified software master stroke of the 21st century?"
Piracy

Submission + - MPAA: Piracy is NOT Theft After All (torrentfreak.com)

TheGift73 writes: "For decades the entertainment industry used the word “theft” to refer to piracy.

Most famous is probably the “You Wouldn’t Steal a Car” ad. But virtually all press releases of outfits such as the MPAA refer to stealing or theft.

All of a sudden, however, MPAA boss Chris Dodd is whistling a different tune.

After the SOPA revolt earlier this year the movie industry group realized they have to position themselves better.

“We’re going to have to be more subtle and consumer-oriented,” Dodd says.

“We’re on the wrong track if we describe this as thievery.”

Technically MPAA’s boss doesn’t say that piracy isn’t theft, but just that it’s bad PR to keep using the term.

The real problem with the theft metaphor is that it’s not only inaccurate, but also widening the gap between people’s norms and copyright law."

Android

Submission + - Augmented Reality escapes apps for mobile browser (slashgear.com)

bbigbigmouth writes: "According to this SlashGear article, augmented reality could be coming to a browser window near you. The WSJ "Tech Europe" blog has more detail on this: "What this means is that any mobile website can implement AR which the user will be able to experience through a mobile browser rather than a special app or AR browser. It should also allow developers to offer AR without having to tailor it to each mobile platform."
The browser of choice for the first proof-of-concept seems to be Opera Mobile."

Submission + - Journalists Targeted and Harassed by Chicago PD During NATO Protest (theatlanticwire.com)

phx_zs writes: Numerous "citizen journalists" who have been streaming live video of the NATO and G8 meeting protests in Chicago have reported being followed, harassed, unlawfully detained and searched by the Chicago Police.
Video has surfaced showing one of these incidents occurring, during which the journalists say they were handcuffed, interrogated, and had their equipment destroyed.

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