On that note, Slashdot will not longer be taking submissions for stories or allow for user comments. Instead, machine learning bots will scan the web for content and natural language recognition bots will make witty comments and then debate them endlessly.

If not, then you should probably stick with the Microsoft job.

Did anyone actually read this story and notice that this is highly inefficient and not much of an engine. While it fits the definition of an engine thermodynamically, the process that they describe is not particularly useful. This is just an example of scientists doing their research and then noticing that they have met the definition for an engine and then promoting this fact in order to get press and increase their chances of funding down the road.

They would have gone absolutely crazy about the iPad! I'm only kind of joking. After checking out my inlaw's Kindle, I'm unimpressed.

The total moves required to reach a solution is usually more important than the moves per second. While the robot is slower to physically move the device, it is probably moving the cube more efficiently than many humans. For instance, I can solve the cube, but do so by only moving one square at a time. More advanced solvers can move several squares simultaneously... a good computer will come up with the most efficient moves to solve the puzzle.

I use the Chase iphone app and am perfectly happy with its security. I did not opt to store my username on the phone and therefor my security was never in a perilous state. People who chose to store their username on the phone have a SLIGHTLY less secure system, but probably chose to do so because their password is very secure or they just don't care. I think this is more about people than systems.

I would think that "amature teenage slut" would have the best chance of winning.

FYI, Mark Zuckerberg says that he ALWAYS acquires companies for the people rather than the intellectual property.