src – Page 16 – Tech Today w/ Ken May

The Pirate Bay’s new network is making ISP blocks useless

Despite global efforts to put the kibosh on infamous torrent site The Pirate Bay (TPB), the lair of internet swashbucklers is proving almost impossible to sack. Swedish police succeeded in taking the site down late last year, only for it to reappear the following month. And stronger than ever it seems, thanks to a new distribution partner that inadvertently circumvents most ISP-level blocks. When TPB rose from the ashes, it drafted in middleman CloudFlare to help deal with the colossal amount of traffic coming to the site. CloudFlare’s service manages the dialogue between users and website hosting servers, reducing bandwidth burden and protecting against DDoS attacks and other threats. A convenient side effect of the service, however, is that its routing magic effectively hides information from ISPs, making it much more difficult for them to block access to TPB’s main portal (thepiratebay.se). This has meant that where ISP-level blocks have existed previously, many of them no longer work, making TPB even easier to find than, well, it already is. With CloudFlare, websites can afford extra security to users with Full SSL (Strict) encryption. Long story short, this strips certain identifiers from the traffic data ISPs use to block websites like TPB; since the information is routed through CloudFlare, website IP addresses are also hidden behind the delivery network. In the UK, where all major ISPs were strong-armed into blocking TPB in 2012, this has all but turned back time, with thepiratebay.se now accessible for Virgin, EE, BT and TalkTalk customers. Sky is the only popular provider still managing to block the site; you aren’t notified, as such, but the page won’t load anyhow. The UK isn’t the only country that blocks TPB at an ISP level, of course, so it’s likely the loophole exists in the European, Asian and Middle Eastern countries that employ the same piracy-squashing tactics. Realistically, this doesn’t change the status quo much, but highlights the futility of the ongoing campaign against TPB and internet piracy as a whole. Proxy sites already render ISP-level blocks ineffective, and though they themselves are now being targeted , they are restricted and reborn in equal measure. Not that they’re currently needed when the main page itself is open for business, of course. The loophole may not remain open indefinitely, however, since CloudFlare is only said to be a temporary partner. Some users are troubled by the thought of their data passing through US-based CloudFlare’s networks, and in response, TPB has said the company’s assistance is only being used to handle traffic volumes for the time being. Then there’s the potential for legal action against CloudFlare, or additional accountability being placed on ISPs in places like the UK, forcing them to improve their blocking tactics. We’ll have to see how it plays out, but there’s little doubt TPB’s enemies are currently scrambling to figure out their next move. [Image credit: Getty Images/Flickr RF] Filed under: Internet Comments Via: ITPro , TorrentFreak

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The Pirate Bay’s new network is making ISP blocks useless

Dropbox badges and comments ease collaboration headaches

Remember those Dropbox badges we heard about in December? The ones that’ll tell you when someone else is editing a shared file? Well, after a period of early access for some, that handy feature is now ready for the masses. If you’re in need of a refresher, the badges allow you to see who is viewing or editing a file, and how long they’ve been at it. They can also nab the most recent version of a file with a single click and grab a link for you to share the document. But that’s not all: Dropbox is adding another tool for enhanced collaboration. Comments are available for folks in that early access program, which means that Dropbox now offers a similar system for adding feedback as Google Drive and others . When you open a file, the collection of notes will appear in the sidebar on the desktop and iOS (Android is still in the works). Anyone that you shared the file with can comment, and if you need to get a specific contributor’s attention, an “@” followed by their email address will send both email and mobile notifications. Hopefully the commenting feature will arrive for all soon enough, just like the badges did. If you don’t want to wait, though, you can sign up for that early access right here . Filed under: Storage , Software Comments Source: Dropbox

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Dropbox badges and comments ease collaboration headaches

Google is now reviewing apps before they reach the Play Store

Although Google has tightened app policies on the Play Store over the years, the company thinks it can do more to protect users. One way to do that is to crack down on the amount of malware and bad apps on its marketplace , so it’s begun reviewing apps before they become available to download. The new policy, which is similar to Apple’s approach on the App Store, has been in effect for a couple of months and uses a mix of algorithms and human intervention to weed out rogue apps. But that’s not all it’s doing. Google has also launched a new rating system for Android apps that will spell out which apps and games are appropriate for certain age groups. It’s teamed up with a number of independent bodies including the ESRB, PEGI, USK, ClassInd and the Australian Classification Board, the same groups that classify video games like GTA V before they go on sale. The idea is to help developers better target users and educate parents about the apps and games they are being asked to download. The ratings will cover the usual topics: sexual content, violent content, drugs, alcohol and gambling. According to Google, if users aren’t in one of the supported countries, it will deliver an “age-based, generic rating” that has been awarded after developers have completed a content rating questionnaire. If developers don’t comply, downloads could be blocked in certain regions. It’s a far cry from the early days of Android, when developers could submit whatever they like. The Play Store is now a $7 billion-plus business, so Google needs to better protect users as hardware gets more powerful and apps normally reserved for desktops and consoles come to mobile devices. Filed under: Cellphones , Gaming , Internet , Software , Mobile , Google Comments Source: Android Developers Blog

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Google is now reviewing apps before they reach the Play Store

Nintendo’s next-generation console is codenamed ‘NX’

It should come as no surprise to hear that Nintendo is working on a new console. Fresh hardware takes years to develop, so engineers are always working on future systems while the rest of us play on the current generation of consoles. What we didn’t expect, however, is for Nintendo to talk about its next system so soon . In today’s press conference , where the company detailed its plans to make mobile games with DeNA, it also teased a new system codenamed “NX.” Few details were disclosed, other than it’ll involve fresh hardware and gameplay concepts. The NX symbol appeared on a slide alongside the Nintendo Wii U, 3DS and other mobile platforms, which suggests it could launch as a complimentary system, rather than an immediate successor to its current home system and handhelds. The NX will also tie into a new membership service that Nintendo is developing alongside DeNA. It’s a replacement for Club Nintendo, and will incorporate multiple devices including the Wii U, 3DS and non-Nintendo hardware such as smartphones and tablets. It’s no secret that Nintendo’s Wii U has been struggling . Despite some standout titles, including Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U , the platform hasn’t resonated with consumers like the original Wii or the latest hardware from both Sony and Microsoft. Many have wondered how long it will take before Nintendo decides to cut its losses and shift focus to a new console entirely. That would, of course, disgruntle existing Wii U owners, so a new system that sits alongside Nintendo’s existing hardware, at least to begin with, makes sense. Chief executive Satoru Iwata said more details about NX will be shared “next year, ” so don’t expect any grand announcements at E3 or the next Nintendo Direct. “As proof that Nintendo maintains strong enthusiasm for the dedicated game system business, let me confirm that Nintendo is currently developing a dedicated game platform with a brand-new concept under the development codename ‘NX, ‘” he says. Why is Nintendo making this announcement now? Its decision to develop new smartphone games with DeNA is sure to rile some of its most dedicated fans, which feel the company’s characters should be protected from outside developers, especially those in the mobile space. Teasing the “NX” today should reassure gamers that Nintendo is still committed to “hardcore” titles and won’t be abandoning its hardware business anytime soon. Filed under: Gaming , Nintendo Comments

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Nintendo’s next-generation console is codenamed ‘NX’

This is why ‘Mario’ levels are brilliant

For the past 30 years, if you wanted a masterclass in video-game level-and-objective design you needn’t look any further than a Mario title from Nintendo. That didn’t change any with 2013’s stellar Super Mario 3D World or last year’s spin-off Captain Toad Treasure Tracker , either. As Pocket Gamer ‘s Mark Brown dissects in the video below, the ingenuity lies in how the former communicates wrinkles and tasks to the player — not with a series of terrible tutorials, but gameplay. This is something the game’s director Koichi Hayashida draws from four-panel Japanese manga. The structure’s called kishoutenkesu , and it comes directly from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto’s time spent drawing comics ; it’s always been influential in how the company has approached game design. The first portion takes place in a safe spot where you can’t exactly fail while learning it. Next is further developing the idea, then “twisting it” in an unexpected way and ultimately throwing it away after mastery for the next new mechanic. In 3D World , Brown notes, it all happens in about five minutes. It’ll be interesting to see how much of the community follows this sort of idea once Mario Maker (presumably) hits sometime later this year. Should you want to pick up some pointers before then, perhaps check out this in-depth interview Gamasutra did with Hayashida a few years back. Filed under: Gaming , Home Entertainment , HD , Nintendo Comments Via: Polygon Source: Mark Brown (YouTube)

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This is why ‘Mario’ levels are brilliant

Microsoft offers pros a peek at the latest versions of Office and Skype

If you rely on Office or Skype to make a living, you may be in for a treat. Microsoft is following up its recent sneak peeks at universal Office apps and Office for Mac with pro-only previews of Office 2016 for the desktop and Skype for Business . The pre-release Office doesn’t include everything you’ll get (Microsoft says it’s saving a lot of the interface tweaks for later), but it already includes better remote management and performance boosts. The Skype for Business preview, meanwhile, largely does what it says on the tin — it expands the company’s Lync communication tool with both a fresher interface and support for talking to regular Skype users. It’s not certain when the desktop version of Office will be available to everyone, but Skype for Business will be ready for action in April. Filed under: Internet , Software , Microsoft Comments Via: The Verge Source: Office Blogs (1) , (2)

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Microsoft offers pros a peek at the latest versions of Office and Skype

YouTube cards might finally get you to click video links

Lots of YouTube videos carry annotations with links to related clips or other websites, but how many of them do you actually visit? Probably few of them, if any. However, YouTube may have a way to pique your interest. It’s rolling out cards that both look much nicer — compared to text boxes, anyway — and are available at any time, not just at specific moments. They’ll work on mobile, too, so you won’t miss important contextual info just because you’re on your phone. YouTube isn’t ditching old-school annotations yet (it wants to fill out the cards’ feature set first), but it’s clear that their days are numbered. Filed under: Internet , Google Comments Source: YouTube Creators

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YouTube cards might finally get you to click video links

Virtualized Air Force war games put Top Gun to shame

Every year for the past four decades, the US Air Force and its NATO allies have staged a series of mock battles — dubbed Red Flag events — to provide soldiers with “real-world” experience before actually throwing them into active combat. But this year’s Red Flag marks a significant departure from its predecessors in that the 2015 exercise will be the first to virtually integrate warfighters from around the country using cutting-edge flight simulators. Red Flag events are put on by the United States Air Force Warfare Center (USAFWC) and typically held at Nellis Air Force Base, just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. This site provides 15, 000 square miles — roughly half the size of Switzerland — of open airspace in which participants can operate. However, real conflicts rarely happen within such a small area. That’s why the USAFWC is leveraging a network of connected flight simulators to virtually expand the theater of operations from 15, 000 square miles to a whopping 1.3 million square miles. This integration allows for many more friendly troops (Blue Flags) to match up against enormous simulated enemy forces (Red Flags). “The benefits to the warfighter of integrating ‘virtual’ into Red Flags are that it allows us to bring in more of the combat-realistic threat envelope, and we’re now able to maximize the air tasking order with the most amount of ‘Blue Forces’ in both the virtual and live sides of a joint air operations area that is 1, 200 by 1, 100 nautical miles, compared to the Nevada Test and Training Range which is about 100 by 100 nautical miles, ” Lt. Col. Kenneth Voigt, 505th Test Squadron commander, said in a statement. That’s not to say that everybody involved gets to fly (either physically or virtually). In fact, most of the remotely participating forces will be providing simulated ground surveillance and support for the planes that are actually above Nellis AFB, though there will also reportedly be a few virtual aerial assets in the mix. “What we’re going to do is take a virtual Joint Stars, or VSTARS, to pick up movers – live trucks on the range – and broadcast that to live strike assets, F-16 (Fighting Falcons) or F-15 (Eagles), to go employ on a dynamic target mission, ” Voigt continued. “The Nellis Test and Training Range personnel on the range are a crucial partner for LVC [“Live-Virtual Constructive”] integration. The ability to track and send location data to the VSTARS is due to their experts.” Red Flag will reportedly even include scenarios involving both live and virtual Patriot units — despite each missile costing nearly $1 million to transport out to the event. In all, hundreds of pilots are expected to participate. And it’s not just the cost savings that has the USAF crowing over the virtual integration: “By combining LVC training, we’ll be able to show how we can maximize our footprint in LVC, push the technology envelope, see where we need to go in the future with our end-goal being able to integrate fifth-generation fighters and bombers with our fourth-generation assets, while being able to provide them with realistic threats to go against, ” Voigt explained. “The combined efforts in the months leading up to 15-2 will pay huge dividends for all the participants, as they’re going to get the most combat-realistic environment in the Air Force.” At least until combat UAVs like the Taranis or the nEUROn take over and relegate every Air Force pilot to the role of remote operator. [Image Credit: USAF] Comments Via: The Aviationist Source: USAF Air Combat Command , Wiki

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Virtualized Air Force war games put Top Gun to shame

Yahoo hopes that you’ll forget your password

Twitter isn’t the only internet giant that wants to spare you from remembering passwords . Yahoo has just trotted out an optional login process that sends passwords on demand. Sign up and Yahoo will deliver a single-use password to your phone whenever you need to log in — you can prevent someone from easily hijacking your account no matter what device you’re on as long as your handset is nearby. This extra-secure option is only available in the US right now, but there’s a good possibility that you’ll see it in other countries before long. Oh, and the end-to-end email encryption that Yahoo promised? It’s still on track. The company gave its first demo of the locked down messaging system at SXSW, and it’s delivering early source code for curious tinkerers. The technology still doesn’t have a definite release date, but your sensitive Yahoo conversations should be safer from prying eyes by the end of the year. Filed under: Internet Comments Source: Yahoo (Tumblr 1) , (2)

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Yahoo hopes that you’ll forget your password

Windows 10 will deliver updates through your fellow PC users

Not fond of having to wait (and wait, and wait) while you download Windows updates from Microsoft’s servers? You might not have to when Windows 10 arrives. The Verge has noticed that a leaked version of the operating system lets you grab updates from other computers, whether they’re on your local network or online — yes, it’s a peer-to-peer network for patches. Besides accelerating the upgrade process, the option could save precious bandwidth (important on capped data plans) if you have a multi-PC household. There’s no telling when this feature will show up in a Windows 10 build you can try, assuming Microsoft doesn’t get cold feet. A new public test release is reportedly coming soon, though, so you probably won’t have to wait very long. Filed under: Internet , Software , Microsoft Comments Source: The Verge