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Earth

Researchers Complete New Gondwana Map 116

An anonymous reader writes "A new computer simulated map has revealed the past position of the Australian, Antarctic and Indian tectonic plates, demonstrating how they formed the supercontinent Gondwana 165 million years ago. 'It was a simple technique, matching the geological boundaries on each plate. The geological units formed before the continents broke apart, so we used their position to put this ancient jigsaw puzzle back together again,' said Lloyd White of Royal Holloway University in a press release. 'We found that many existing studies had positioned the plates in the wrong place because the geological units did not align on each plate.'"
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."

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