Here is my weekly selection of articles that were not mentioned here — except if I missed them.
For some people, location is everything. As a self-confessed GPS geek, Cyril Houri has a thing about knowing his x and y coordinates - the latitude and longitude readings that tell you precisely where you are in the world. But because GPS uses satellite signals to triangulate your position, it works only in places where you can get a signal. [...]
So he grabs his smartphone and powers up Navizon, a system he developed that can tri-angulate his position by taking readings from Wi-Fi hot spots or cellular towers. Bingo!
Source: Frank Rose, Wired Magazine, Issue 14.06, June 2006
Getting computer grids to talk to each other
Grids have their own way of meshing together Grids that use different operating systems. Instead of developing individual translators for each Grid operating system UniGridS [, a IST-funded project,] developed an interoperability layer called the UniGrids Atomic Services, enabling different Grids to function as one.
Source: IST Results, June 8, 2006
Making virtual worlds more lifelike
Ever played an online game like “World of Warcraft” or “EverQuest” and wished the expressions on your avatar’s face looked more realistic or that it was easier to communicate with other players?
If so, then a team of researchers from the famed Palo Alto Research Center might be your heroes.
Source: CNET News.com, June 8, 2006
Pentagon sets its sights on social networking websites
New Scientist has discovered that Pentagon’s National Security Agency, which specialises in eavesdropping and code-breaking, is funding research into the mass harvesting of the information that people post about themselves on social networks.
Source: Paul Marks, NewScientist.com news service, June 9, 2006
Robot safety: As robots move into homes and offices, ensuring that they do not injure people will be vital. But how?
Source: The Economist, June 8, 2006
France launches cyber-budget game
The French government has launched an online game that challenges taxpayers to balance the national budget of nearly 300bn euros ($373bn).
[Note: according to some comments, this game is not really fun!]
Source: BBC News Online, June 8, 2006
New Net neutrality plan may ruffle feathers
Internet companies that have been lobbying for stiff Net neutrality regulations might be having second thoughts right about now.
Source: Declan McCullagh, CNET News.com, June 8, 2006
Planning a wedding on the Web is nothing new. But the tools and connections you can find today are far more sophisticated than they used to be.
[Note: I've included this article not for its contents -- which are nevertheless interesting -- but for its title -- the best of the month so far!]
Source: Sara Kehaulani Goo, The Washington Post, June 11, 2006 (Free registration)
See you next week…
