Tu madre es una tarantula. Entiendes? If you didn’t catch that, Skype’s got you covered. Microsoft just kicked off Skype’s Translator preview , which, as the name suggests, can automatically translate speech in real-time. While English and Spanish are the only supported spoken languages at the moment, the feature can also translate instant messaging chats in 45 languages. Microsoft first showed off Skype’s Translator, which relies on machine learning to handle its language gymnastics, back in May . And it seems to have made quite a bit of progress since then — at least, according to a tooth-achingly sweet video (see below) between high school students in the US and Mexico. The feature’s only available on Windows 8.1 devices at the moment, and don’t expect flawless functionality since it’s just a preview. But it’s a sign that even aging software can still make your Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy dreams come true. Comments Source: Microsoft
Read More:
Microsoft kicks off Skype’s Translator preview on Windows 8.1
The Millennium Falcon is the king of cool when it comes to classic sci-fi spaceships. The vessel is a kitbashed masterpiece and bold image that screams Star Wars. It’s also a “piece of junk, ” a “bucket of bolts, ” and constant headache for Han Solo and company, but hey, she’s got it where it counts. Read more… 
HughPickens.com writes The NYT reports that Peruvian authorities say Greenpeace activists have damaged the fragile, and restricted, landscape near the Nazca lines, ancient man-made designs etched in the Peruvian desert when they placed a large sign that promoted renewable energy near a set of lines that form the shape of a giant hummingbird. The sign was meant to draw the attention of world leaders, reporters and others who were in Lima, the Peruvian capital, for a United Nations summit meeting aimed at reaching an agreement to address climate change. Greenpeace issued a statement apologizing for the stunt at the archaeological site and its international executive director, Kumi Naidoo, flew to Lima to apologize for scarring one of Peru’s most treasured national symbols. “We are not ready to accept apologies from anybody, ” says Luis Jaime Castillo, the vice minister for cultural heritage. “Let them apologize after they repair the damage.” Read more of this story at Slashdot. 
On the heels of a research paper published about a global Iranian hacking operation , Operation Cleaver, the FBI is now warning critical US businesses that they might be targets of Iran’s team of hackers. Read more… 