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Comment End of good quality simulation? (Score 1) 83

Maybe the virtual world where we live can only maintain a logically consistent simulation when the observer is "inside" the "solar system"?

If something goes "physically out", then empirical and sensory experience is reduced in quality?

Maybe the end game scenario is when we collectively conclude we are in a simulation? Maybe we are almost winning...

Comment Re:Not a dev (Score 2) 241

No.

I have nothing against Microsoft, really. I think they are trying to improve their behavior. I respect their current CEO.

That being said, I think the world is a better place if there is less concentration of power. Especially in a handful (AMZN, GOOG, AAPL, MSFT) of mega-corporations.

I prefer a lot of competition by a lot of smaller actors. Not de-facto monopolies.

Hence, I have moved to GitLab and will move again if they are acquired by a very large player.

Comment Realy, check Project FI (Score 2) 226

Even if you do not like Google (DuckDuckGo user here) have a look at Project Fi.

Very reasonable costs. Data roaming outside the US has zero cost (i.e. you pay the same as in the US). Roaming calls are reasonably priced. SMS are free outside the US.

Even if you never leave the US, it mostly beats all standard carriers by a mile.

As somebody said above, the big problem is the very limited choice of cell phones (like half-a-dozen). I actually had a Nexus 6 when I changed, so no problem in that case.

Coming from Europe, I was shocked with mobile costs in the US. FI is actually competitive with European prices.

Comment Steam on Linux (Score 2) 99

There are plenty of Linux titles on Steam. Maybe not many AAA ones, but a lot of indies, that is for sure.

The majority of games that I have work fine on Linux. Indeed I do not remember the last time that I had to reboot to Windows in order to play a game.

Interestingly some Linux games are way more CPU/GPU intensive than on Windows. Anyone knows why?

So, thanks Valve for Linux support! Please keep it!

Comment Re:Since I will not be using mail on win10 anyways (Score 2) 172

Even for games....

I understand that for AAA games Windows is the way to go.

But if you are into the indie game scene, most indie games on Steam also work on Linux.

I also have Windows for gaming only, but currently all the games that I am palying work on Linux.

Thanks Steam.

Comment Re:As users, we're getting fucked over. That's why (Score 1) 807

How is chaging the version number at a different pace lying?

I understand your concern, but it is just a version number. If the perception of users is being taken away by your competitors, why not adapt?

Sure, it would be better to live in a world where companies did not resort to such misleading tricks, but it is not lying.

Numbers do not semantics have.

Comment Slashdot editorial garbage (Score 1) 154

Somethings are completely below acceptable standard. Like poor Slashdot editorial care.

It is completely different to "not predict a earthquake" to "predict that it will not happen".

These specialists PREDICTED that there would be no problem.

Can we get basic logic right, please?

This is a case of scientific hubris (belief in self-ability to predict things) that cost many lives. Now it has been joined by lack of basic logic and linguistics here in Slashdot.

What a dis-service to science.

Talking about proper science, may I suggest reading say, The Black Swan?

Java

Apache Resigns From the JCP Executive Committee 136

iammichael writes "The Apache Software Foundation has resigned its seat on the Java SE/EE Executive Committee due to a long dispute over the licensing restrictions placed on the TCK (test kit validating third-party Java implementations are compatible with the specification)."
Social Networks

The Ethics of Social Games 75

Gamespot is running a story about the ethics and morality of the social games market, which in recent years has exploded to involve hundreds of millions of players. Between micro-transactions, getting players to recruit friends, and the thin line between compelling games and addictive games, there are plenty of opportunities for developers to stray into shady practices. Quoting: "The most successful social games to date have used very simple gameplay mechanics, encouraging neither strategy nor dexterity but regular interaction with the game ... Although undeniably successful, the existing social game framework has been the subject of much debate among game developers from every corner of the game industry, from the mainstream to the indie community. Some, like Super Meat Boy creator Edmund McMillen, are particularly strident in their assessment. 'Social games tend to have a really seedy and abusive means of manipulation that they use to rope people in and keep them in,' McMillen said. 'People are so tricked into that that they'll actually spend real money on something that does absolutely nothing, nothing at all.'
Image

British Pizza Chain To Install Cones of Silence 122

itwbennett writes "British pizza chain Pizza Express is installing iPod docks and soundproof domes in booths of their new iPizzeria stores. 'The idea is that you can plug in your iPod and play whatever music you like without disturbing other diners,' says blogger Peter Smith. 'But I'm sure it'd work for talking about government secrets and other spy stuff, too.'"

Comment I am all for stupid (Score 2, Insightful) 385

If this is being stupid, then I want more.

You see, I am human being, with limited cognitive capacities, limited free time, limited resources.
Not having to deal with such "important" things as remembering phone numbers or massive amounts of data allows me to direct my time and memory for other things.
Ah, and I can leverage my freed time and freed cognitive abilities with the search powers of google to discover even more. I've now searched and read philosophers and historians. Something a few years ago this would have been less simple: more costly to get the info and less time to do such thing. This by the way, encouraged me to by their books.

Yes, I do not know the year that Nietzsche or Wagner were born, but I do have an idea that they were contemporary to each other. Guess what: having been exposed to their ideas and their music is much more important than knowing the details of their birth dates. Which by the way were [goes way and googles for 20 secs] 1844 and 1813.

I've gained a lot with my new found stupidity. And lost very little in return.

I may have lost the details, but I have more time and resources that allow me to see far away. And the details are really here, at my fingertips.

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