News

Microsoft to replace Internet Explorer with new, streamlined browser

Microsoft is developing a new, streamlined web browser that will replace Internet Explorer, according to reports, in an apparent attempt to move towards other popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. The new app could also help Microsoft distance itself from users’ bad memories of old versions of IE. In the past the company has considered changing the name to separate the current browser from “negative perceptions that no long reflect reality”, according to developers. The browser, codenamed Spartan, is set to be shown off on January 21st when Microsoft demonstrates its new Windows 10 operating system, according to people close to the company. But it might not be ready for release when the early version of the software launches the same month.

Tuesday December 30 By Computer System Intelligence Read more...

Engineers are working for free to make Elon Musk's Hyperloop a reality

Nobody laughs much at Elon Musk anymore, but plenty of people snickered at his Hyperloop idea (okay, also the killer robot thing). To remind you, the Hyperloop is a series of underground trains powered by compressed air that transport folks between cities in tubes at around Mach I. While that may sound certifiably insane, a company called Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) doesn't think so, and with the help of some UCLA students, has made considerable progress developing the idea. According to Wired, the startup (assisted by JumpStartFund investors) has enlisted top engineers from companies like Boeing, Airbus and SpaceX willing to work on Hyperloop in their spare time in exchange for stock options.

Friday December 19 By Computer System Intelligence Read more...

The smart skin that could give prosthetic hands a sense of touch

A ‘supersmart’ artificial skin has been revealed that could give patients back a sense of touch. Researchers in South Korea say their skin is extremely similar to human skin. It is stretchy, like real skin, and even has a built-in heater so it feels like living tissue. It can sense pressure, temperature, and humidity, and researchers tested the artificial skin on a prosthetic hand, and found the wearer could even sense if a diaper was wet or dry.

Thursday December 11 By Computer System Intelligence Read more...

Internet giants wage war on pop-up ad blockers

These days you can, thanks to small programs like Adblock Plus that are available free for download and that arm your browser to defend against ads. Flashing banner ads, "pre-roll" ads (short ads that play before a video), pop-up notices that cover the whole screen—few of them make it past ad blocking software. In the beginning, the applications acted under the radar, and were known mainly only to young people or the really tech-savvy. But now they're catching on.

Monday December 8 By Computer System Intelligence Read more...