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The Pirate Bay shutdown: the whole story (so far)

For the past decade, if you wanted to download copyrighted material and didn’t want to pay for it, it’s likely you turned to The Pirate Bay . Up until a police raid took it offline last week , it was the most popular place to grab Sunday’s episode of The Newsroom or Gone Girl months before the Blu-ray hits stores. You didn’t have to log in to some arcane message board or know someone to get an invite — the anonymous file-sharing site was open to everybody and made piracy as simple as a Google search. That’s what scared Hollywood. The movie industry claimed that in 2006 alone , piracy cost it some $6.1 billion dollars. Naturally, it went after the biggest target to exact its revenge: the Sweden-based Pirate Bay. Given Sweden’s lax laws regarding copyrighted materials, Hollywood had to enlist the United States government for help cracking down on the site. The US threatened that unless something was done to take the site offline, it’d impose trade sanctions against Sweden by way of The World Trade Organization. That led to Swedish police raiding the outfit in 2006 , confiscating enough servers and computer equipment to fill three trucks and making two arrests. Three days later, the site was back up and running and more popular than ever before thanks to a swell of mainstream media coverage. WHAT IS IT? The Pirate Bay was the 97th most-visited website on the entire internet in 2008, according to Alexa data. During the 2009 trial that saw cofounders Fredrik Neij, Peter Sunde and Gottfrid Svartholm charged with $3.6 million in fines, along with time behind bars for aiding in copyright infringement, it was reported that The Pirate Bay had some 22 million users — roughly the population of Texas. We tried finding more recent information, but the official blog is offline too, and, even then, the outfit keeps current usage statistics incredibly close to its chest. The best we could come by was a graph showing an uptick in usage , sans any actual numbers to go with the jagged, but rising, horizontal line. Because the site had to change domains a number of times before this last raid, in part to insulate itself from copyright laws , it’s hard to gauge just how popular The Pirate Bay was before last week’s shutdown. More information will likely surface in the coming weeks, as this latest raid is part of an ongoing investigation as well. TBP AFK: The Pirate Bay Away From Keyboard is a documentary chronicling the 2009 court case against The Pirate Bay’s founders HOW IT WORKED Instead of hosting the copyrighted material itself, The Pirate Bay maintained a database of the tracker files needed for users to download the “torrents” — not the actual copyrighted content. Because you need a separate piece of software to actually use the torrent file and illegally download the content, The Pirate Bay saying it personally doesn’t break copyright law is technically accurate. Let’s back up a moment: for the uninitiated, a torrent file is basically a set of instructions that tells your computer how to reassemble a large file from the relatively small pieces it downloads from however many hosts are sharing it at a given moment. It’s faster than a 1:1 transfer because, unlike how Napster worked, no one user’s bandwidth supports the entire transfer. Well, that and everyone is only providing a minuscule portion of what you’re downloading. It’s “distributed” file sharing, and it subsequently distributes the blame when those files being shared are pirated material. For example: Let’s say that you wanted to watch the season finale of True Detective the night it aired, but HBO Go’s servers broke and you couldn’t. If you’re impatient, the simple solution is hitting The Pirate Bay, searching for “true detective episode eight” and grabbing the torrent file with the most “seeders” (people hosting the file). Depending on a few factors, you could have had an HD version of the hour-long show in roughly 15 minutes or less. It was incredibly fast and easy enough for just about anyone to do, which made it especially dangerous. THE SHUTDOWN The raid from eight years ago took The Pirate Bay offline briefly and forced the site to change its operations a bit. As a result, it moved to cloud-hosting in two separate countries running several virtual machine setups. In an interview with TorrentFreak , an unnamed Pirate Bay representative ( Neij, Sunde and Svartholm sold the site to a possible shell company in 2006) boasted that the move made the site raid-proof and that there wouldn’t be any servers to take, only a transit router — one of the pieces of equipment used to hide the location of the cloud provider. “If the police decide to raid us again there are no servers to take, just a transit router. If they follow the trail to the next country and find the load balancer, there is just a disk-less server there. In case they find out where the cloud provider is, all they can get are encrypted disk-images, ” The Pirate Bay says. “They have to be quick about it too, if the servers have been out of communication with the load balancer for 8 hours they automatically shut down. When the servers are booted up, access is only granted to those who have the encryption password, ” they add. Last Tuesday morning , Swedish police raided a Stockholm-area server room and left with “several” servers and computers, with official counts unavailable. This took not only The Pirate Bay down, but also related sites bayimg.com, pastebay.net and The Pirate Bay’s message board, suprbay.org. A handful of other torrent sites went down at the same time, with the Rights Alliance — a Swedish anti-piracy group — claiming that it made the complaint resulting in the Stockholm County Police’s raid. Mirror (and impostor) sites have sprung up in the meantime, but for now The Pirate Bay proper remains offline. It’s hard to say whether that’s a result of the website’s raid-countermeasures or police success. In an interview with TorrentFreak that posted recently, one of The Pirate Bay’s associates said they weren’t surprised by the shut-down, and that it’s something that goes with the territory. “We couldn’t care less, really, ” Mr. 10100100000 said. “We have however taken this opportunity to give ourselves a break. How long are we supposed to keep going? To what end? We were a bit curious to see how the public would react. Will we reboot? We don’t know yet. But if and when we do, it’ll be with a bang.” The Pirate Bay’s closure does have one unexpected supporter , though: co-founder Peter Sunde. He took to his blog last week lamenting what the site had become, chastising its reliance on ads for porn and Viagra, while relying on old and buggy code. Sund wrote that the technology wasn’t being taken further and the site had essentially lost its soul while the new owners clamored after cash, going so far as charging admission for The Pirate Bay’s tenth birthday party. “The party had a set line-up with artists, scenes and so on, instead of just asking the people coming to bring the content. Everything went against the ideals that I worked for during my time as part of TPB, ” Sunde said. Pirate Bay co-founder Peter Sunde WHAT IT MEANS That all depends on who you ask. Variety reports that the day before the shutdown almost 102 million IP addresses were downloading torrented movies and TV shows. That dropped to 95 million on December 9th, but by last Friday pirate traffic was back up to just over 100 million IP addresses performing peer-to-peer downloads. A decrease? Sure, but nothing all that dramatic; this is a direct result of the hydra-like nature of piracy outfits in general. More or less, a series of shutdowns led to The Pirate Bay’s rise to prominence anyway. Napster got shut down and Limewire quickly took its place. Limewire was replaced by uTorrent, and uTorrent is the current go-to for torrenting. Perhaps, though, the anti-piracy measures we’ve seen are working. After all, Google has said that it gets over a million Digital Millenium Copyright Act take-down requests per day . A recent PC Pro report notes that US BitTorrent traffic had dropped by 20 percent over the course of six months last year. What’s more, it says that unique visitors to The Pirate Bay dropped dramatically between 2012 and 2013, from five million to 900, 000 by last year’s end. This can likely be attributed to how easy it’s become as of late to access content legally. It’s no mistake that Netflix offered UK customers episodes of Breaking Bad ‘s final season the day after they aired in the US. Or, that it’s pushing to stream movies the same day they arrive in theaters. Same goes for Hulu Plus’ entire business model of streaming shows the day after they air. Sure, you’re going to have a minority of folks who’ll pirate anything and everything as their own means of anarchy, but for the most part, by offering an all-around better legal experience (not having to worry about downloading a virus; better video quality) most people aren’t going to bother pirating in the first place. Much like it did with the music industry, piracy has forced the Hollywood to examine why we were circumventing their protocols in the first place and adjust as such. [Image credits: Shutterstock (lead), AFP/Getty Images (Peter Sunde)] Filed under: Cellphones , Internet , Software Comments

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The Pirate Bay shutdown: the whole story (so far)

LG says next year’s 4K TVs will be better because of quantum dots

LG has announced that next year, it will have a new set of 4K TVs to slot between its existing Ultra HD LCDs and super-colorful OLED models. These are different because they use quantum dot technology, which LG says will make for a wider color palette and better color saturation than regular LCDs. Sony’s already using the technology in its high-end TVs , and reports have indicated that Samsung will offer LCDs with quantum dots as well. The tech used here will use nanocrystals in sizes of 2 to 10 nm that show a different color based on their size, laid in a film over the usual IPS LCD. LG has committed heavily to OLED as a display technology of the future, but even with prices dropping rapidly, it’s still out of range for most buyers . As a result, improving traditional LCDs — and trying to convince folks to upgrade to 4K at all — is where the key battles will be. The new TVs will be available in 55- and 65-inch versions at first, and you can be sure we’ll be taking a close look at them in Las Vegas next month. Filed under: Displays , Home Entertainment , HD , LG Comments Source: LG Newsroom

Microsoft kicks off Skype’s Translator preview on Windows 8.1

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

Dropbox makes it easy for workmates to edit Office files

In November, Dropbox users gained the ability to edit Office files from within the app, thanks to its partnership with Microsoft. Now, the company has launched its first set of Project Harmony tools so groups of workmates can take advantage of that feature — but only if they’re Business users part of Dropbox’s early access program. These features, which were first previewed when the company started letting users link their business and personal accounts, can make team projects, well, more bearable than usual. Each Word, Excel or Powerpoint file now comes with a Dropbox “badge” on the margin, and clicking it reveals options that shows each user who else is editing. It also shows if the other person has saved a newer version and includes an option to generate a link without having to leave the document, spreadsheet or presentation. Dropbox didn’t mention anything about a wider release, but seeing as the company calls these tools the “first phase” of Project Harmony, it probably has more in store to help prevent workplace tiffs. Filed under: Misc , Mobile , Microsoft Comments Via: Venturebeat , GigaOm Source: Dropbox for Business

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Dropbox makes it easy for workmates to edit Office files

Ford’s revamped SYNC infotainment system is built for speed

Ford has revealed its latest SYNC connected car system, promising smartphone-like performance, conversational voice control and a simpler interface. The SYNC 3 will feature a much brighter touchscreen than previous versions with multi-touch capability for pinch-to-zoom and other functions. It’ll also feature larger onscreen buttons and high contrast fonts to avoid any fiddling. The interface help road warriors to futz less as well, with three zone choices on the home screen: navigation, audio and phone. In addition, a “one-box search” is designed to give Google-like simplicity when searching for locations or contact info. The auto giant also said that SYNC 3 will have much sharper graphics and be as responsive as a smartphone or tablet for most functions. That said, the system was designed to be used first and foremost with voice control, and now accepts much more conversational commands. For example, a driver can just say “Play ‘Good Times Bad Times'” to hear the Led Zeppelin song, without having to name the album or genre as before. SYNC 3 now supports Siri voice commands as well, allowing iPhone users to activate it with a push-to-talk button on the steering wheel. You’ll no longer need to say or type an exact name or address, either. For instance, you can now enter “Detroit Airport” to get directions if you don’t know the official name, or give a business name like “Starbucks” rather than the address. Ford has also touched up its AppLink system, making it possible to select apps compatible with the SYNC 3’s vehicle-oriented interface. Compatible apps like Spotify or Pandora will function in a completely different way on SYNC than on a phone or tablet. After you log into your account, you’ll be able to use voice recognition and menu buttons to control music or perform other functions. The company told me that it has over 70 compatible apps so far, and expects to bring hundreds more over the next year. To update apps, SYNC 3 now has a WiFi receiver that can log onto your home network or a smartphone hotspot. The new system will be available across Ford’s US vehicle lineup starting next year, and roll out elsewhere by the end of 2016. Filed under: Transportation Comments

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Ford’s revamped SYNC infotainment system is built for speed

Instagram celebrates 300 million users, which is more than Twitter

There’s apparently over 300 million people on Instagram – and they’re really sharing those photos: to the tune of 70 million stills and videos every day. The user count puts it above Twitter , although it’s still far behind the number using Facebook — which, well, owns Instagram. In the last year, it’s added a People tab to coerce users into following more people showcase notable accounts, while Instagram’s spin-off video app, the addictive Hyperlapse , also launched in August — giving a better reason to post videos. While it might have reached a new user milestone, Instagram’s now attempting to hack away at that number: you might have noticed a little notification inside the app saying that the team was purging spam accounts – warning, your follower count may drop. Meanwhile, celebrities, brands and other well-monied types are being granted with verified badges starting today. Apparently, Mat Smith The Brand still needs some word. Comments Source: Instagram

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Instagram celebrates 300 million users, which is more than Twitter

BitTorrent needs your help to build its peer-to-peer browser

BitTorrent is looking for Alpha testers for a new product called Project Maelstrom, and what that is may surprise you: a browser based on the company’s peer-to-peer sharing technology. What does that mean, exactly? Well, the company’s keeping details hush-hush at this point (though it did release a picture of what Maelstrom could look like above), but if the browser works just like a torrent client, then it will most likely load websites from peers instead of from servers. BitTorrent believes that its success could not only protect people’s privacy online (no servers means it won’t be easy spying on your activities), but also help maintain net neutrality and keep the web open. Part of its announcement post reads: How can we keep the Internet open? How can we keep access to the Internet neutral? How can we better ensure our private data is not misused by large companies? How can we help the Internet scale efficiently for content? The power of distributed technology that underpins BitTorrent and all of our products has long been an example in this regard and bringing more of this power to the web is only natural as these challenges loom. Project Maelstrom is still in the very early stages, though, so whether a P2P-based browser will work remains to be seen. It’s unclear how the company even plans to monetize it, because when TechCrunch asked about advertisements, a spokesperson replied that it’s “too early to tell.” Still, this isn’t BitTorrent’s first foray outside torrent clients. In addition to the Sync file-sharing service it launched in 2013, it also introduced a paywalled TV and music service called Bundle and a chat messenger named Bleep earlier this year. And yes, all of them use peer-to-peer technology, as you might have guessed. If you want to lend a hand in shaping a new type of browser, you can sign up as an Alpha tester on the company’s website. Filed under: Internet Comments Source: BitTorrent

China has a microwave pain weapon of its own

The US may never have used its microwave pain gun in combat, but that isn’t stopping China from exploring the concept of non-lethal force. Local manufacturer Poly has unveiled the WB-1 , a millimeter-wave weapon that heats the water under your skin (much like the US’ Active Denial System) to deliver intense agony without injury. It currently works at a relatively short range of about 262 feet, but extra power can bump that up to 0.6 miles — if you know where to shoot, you could cause misery from afar. It’s reportedly meant to be used on the high seas, where it could enforce China’s territorial claims without the need to capture or destroy wayward vessels. There are some unanswered questions. Besides the uncertainty of when (and if) WB-1 might enter service, there’s also the matter of its technical feasibility. The Active Denial System took 16 hours to start, and it didn’t work reliably in dust or rain. Unless Poly has licked those problems, its gun won’t do much when there’s a surprise encounter or stormy weather. With that said, you might want to be careful if you go boating around Chinese waters… you may get a lot more than a stern talking-to if you venture into disputed areas. [Image credit: Top81 ] Filed under: Science Comments Via: Popular Science Source: IHS Jane’s 360

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China has a microwave pain weapon of its own

The world’s slimmest smartphone is now 4.75mm thick

How thin is too thin? Well, the Chinese smartphone makers are always pushing their limits on this end. Following Gionee’s 5.1mm Elife S5.1 and Oppo’s 4.85mm R5 , today Vivo has set a new record with its X5Max, a 4.75mm-thick Android phone that still manages to pack a number of notable features. The slim aluminum mid-frame houses a vibrant 5.5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED screen, a 1.7mm-thick logic board and a 5-megapixel f/2.4 front camera. Flip to the back and you’ll find a 13-megapixel f/2.0 main camera — the inevitable bulge that goes beyond the phone’s official thickness by almost 2mm — and a loudspeaker towards the bottom. On the whole, the phone feels surprisingly light (Vivo has yet to list the official weight) but also solid and well-made. It’s worth pointing out that unlike the Oppo R5, the X5Max has managed to keep its 3.5mm headphone jack instead of forcing a micro-USB adapter upon us. Another equally impressive feature is the dual-SIM tray (fits one Micro SIM and one Nano SIM) that also lets you use a microSD card (up to 128GB) in place of Nano SIM, but you might have already seen this on the likes of the Lenovo Vibe Z2 Pro or the Huawei Ascend Mate 7 . The X5Max is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chip that’s both octa-core (quad 1.7GHz Cortex-A53 and quad 1GHz Cortex-A53) and 64-bit ready, though the latter part won’t be usable until the phone is updated from Android 4.4.4 to Lollipop. You also get 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage to boot, while the fixed 2, 000mAh battery should be sufficient for a full-day usage; though you’ll miss out on the Oppo R5’s awesome rapid charging technology. Like its sibling devices, the X5Max places heavy emphasis on its audio performance, which is why it packs some dedicated audio chips — Yamaha YSS-205X signal processor, Sabre ES9018K2M DAC, exclusive Sabre ES9601 headphone amplifier and OPA1612 amplifier — as part of its “Hi-Fi 2.0” package. Together, these apparently outperform the Xplay3S’ offering in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range and restoration. More importantly (for this author, at least), the Yamaha chip is actually for implementing a karaoke mode, in which you can sing along with songs and music videos while also hearing yourself — with added echo or reverb if desired — through headphones. It may be gimmicky for some, but apparently it’s also what the cool kids like to use these days. Alas, the X5Max is only launching in China to begin with: The China Mobile version will be available for CN¥2, 998 or about US$490 as of December 12th. As for those outside China who need a phone to quench their karaoke thirst, stay tuned for an FDD-LTE version later. Filed under: Cellphones , Mobile Comments Source: Vivo

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The world’s slimmest smartphone is now 4.75mm thick

Your old laptop’s battery will light homes in developing countries

Don’t be too quick to toss out the battery from that ancient laptop — it might just be the key to powering homes in developing countries, and helping the environment in the process. IBM researchers have revealed UrJar , a device that turns old lithium-ion battery packs into rechargeable energy sources for low-power devices like LED light bulbs, fans and cellphones. To create the gadget, the team extracts functioning lithium-ion cells from a trashed battery and combines them with both charging dongles and safety circuitry. It sounds simple, but it’s potentially very effective. According to IBM, roughly 70 percent of all discarded batteries can provide at least four hours of LED lighting every day for a year. That’s enough to offer extra safety to homes in areas with little to no reliable electricity, or to keep a street vendor in business after sunset. There’s still some necessary refinement left before UrJar is ready, but IBM is quick to stress that this isn’t a commercial product. Instead, it hopes to give devices away for free in countries whose “energy poverty” hurts the quality of life (and chances of a better future) for poorer residents. UrJar should also kill two birds with one stone by making good use of the ever-growing mountain of e-waste . Rather than send your old batteries directly to landfills, you could give them a second life that helps the less fortunate. That’s not as eco-friendly as truly clean power , but it might prevent technological garbage from getting out of control. [Image credit: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images] Filed under: Household , Peripherals Comments Via: MIT Technology Review , Popular Science Source: University of Toronto (PDF)

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Your old laptop’s battery will light homes in developing countries