undefined – Page 123 – Tech Today w/ Ken May

Uber cars now outnumber yellow cabs in New York City

You may see yellow taxis as virtually synonymous with New York City transportation, but you might have to reconsider that image before too long. New Taxi and Limousine Commission data shows that Uber cars now outnumber cabs on NYC streets, with 14, 088 black and luxury vehicles versus 13, 587 taxis. It’s not hard to see why the ridesharing service has grown so quickly since its arrival in 2011, mind you. Uber drivers can earn much more in the right circumstances, and they don’t have to worry about fixed schedules, complicated licensing or cheapskates who don’t pay. This milestone probably won’t thrill city officials, who are worried that Uber is both depriving them of tax revenue (since drivers don’t need medallion licenses) and playing fast and loose with regulations. However, it’s doubtful that there’s any going back now — Uber is huge enough in New York that commuters would notice if it went away. [Image credit: Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images] Filed under: Transportation , Internet Comments Source: New York Post

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Uber cars now outnumber yellow cabs in New York City

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

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

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

The ‘1,000mph’ Bloodhound car is so fast it needs to be bulletproof

Designing a car that can break the world land speed record is a tricky balancing act. It has to be incredibly fast and lightweight, while also offering unparalleled protection on the track. Not only in case there’s a conventional crash, either; even a tiny pebble could have devastating consequences for a vehicle travelling at up to 1, 000mph . To protect the British Bloodhound supersonic car , which Andy Green will be piloting in a record-breaking attempt later this year, the team has developed special panels that are effectively bulletproof . They’re constructed from millions of woven glass fibres that intentionally fray and soak up energy when hit by a fast-moving projectile. In the video below, engineers test their durability by firing a small shard from a cannon. Thankfully they’re up to the task, giving Green one less worry when he tries to break the current record (763mph) in South Africa. [Image Credit: Bloodhound] Filed under: Transportation Comments Via: Sky Source: Bloodhound

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The ‘1,000mph’ Bloodhound car is so fast it needs to be bulletproof