Borders stores may be in short supply these days, but their online store is still around, and for the next four days you can get 50% off the list price of any one item. You just need a Borders Rewards membership, which is free to sign up for. You can also grab free shipping on any purchase over $25. Exclusions apply, but the site doesn't say—so head over to Borders.com and enter the coupon code BLP2566Y to see what you can get. The coupon expires May 23. [via SlickDeals] More
This is sort of silly but still worthwhile. Of course prices of developing technologies drop over time, but the infograph from Wired is still fun if for nothing else than a bit of nostalgic reminiscing. I can recall the first two plasmas we got while I worked at Circuit City: a Panasonic for $10k and a Pioneer for $12k. Of course that was back in the wild and crazy times of 2002 when credit was available to anyone with a pulse and a social security number.
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Infograph Fun: Flatscreen Prices Are Gloriously Low Right Now
This is the best title for any scholarly paper published in the year 2011: “Urine trouble: a social history of bedwetting and its regulation.” Snort! More
Sure you can do neat things like unlock your iPhone using facial recognition, but the Air Force has far grander visions for the tech. Specifically it wants a camera that can identify and track possible insurgents at a significant distance (though it’s unclear how far we’re talking about here) using only a few seconds of footage. It’s turned to Photon-X Inc. to develop a sensor that combines spacial measurements, infrared and visible light to create a “bio-signature” that maps not only static facial features but muscle movements that are unique to each individual. The technology could also be used in targeting systems to identify enemy vehicles and integrated into robots to help them navigate and identify objects… or threatening meatbags. The Air Force even foresees law enforcement, banks, and private security firms using the cams to monitor customers and watch for suspicious activity. Similar tools have been created that use software to analyze video feeds, but they can’t match the accuracy or range of this “behaviormetric” system. Normally, this is where we’d make some snide reference to Skynet or Big Brother but, honestly, we’re too creeped out for jokes.
Creepy new Air Force camera can identify and track you from far, far away originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 10:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.