A couple of years ago some hackers started distributing a quirky little virus that would change the DNS servers your computer uses. The people responsible were located by the FBI and their data gathering system was terminated. Despite this you could still be infected, and affected, by the virus.
Google has just released the first video showing off what their long-rumored wearable augmented reality tech might look like. Simply put, it looks amazing. The idea that news, weather, communications, geographic-specific overlays, etc. can all appear seamlessly in front of your eyes as you go about your business is just about the ultimate in personal computing.
Marketplace Tech reported today that a UK insurance company called Motaquote is rolling out the ability to record your driving habits using a TomTom GPS unit, and use that data to set your car insurance rate. The idea is that the policy and pricing can be tailored to better reflect your specific driving, rather than base it off of actuarial tables. If you’re a “safe” driver you could be spending less, and if you’re an “unsafe” driver you could be spending more. On face value it seems pretty reasonable. I disagree.
Somehow Old Spice has managed to crank out awesome commercial after awesome commercial for the better part of 2 years. The latest one is vying for top spot on my list of funniest commercials ever. It’s not the jet ski through the wall, or the ridiculous shouting, or the flying across the screen with rockets for feet. It’s all of it together in one absurd 30-second string of “what?!” that makes me burst out laughing every time I watch it (I think I’m up to 14 views).
Google announced today that they’re making changes to their privacy policy to make it simpler, and unify all the disparate policies for their various products under one canonical document. One of the things that surfaced out of the trimming down of language was that users are unable to opt out of Google using certain data in your profile to customize its other services to your interests. While it may sound like a Big Brother shift in Google’s mindset, the reality is far more mundane.
On January 18, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a hearing to hear testimony from technology experts and job creators about why the PROTECT-IP Act and Stop Online Piracy Act are bad. In conjunction, some of the Internet’s largest sites will be protesting by shutting themselves down for the day.
On January 24, 2012 the U.S. Senate will vote on PIPA, a bill that would enable government censorship of the Internet. This cannot be allowed to pass.
The WordPress.com statistics service generates a year-end report for sites that use it. If you’re interested, take a look at mine.
High on the list of “only in Vegas” moments – an ATM to purchase gold. You can buy it in bars, coins, and a variety of other forms, all in different sizes. Wow.
The Ethel M Chocolate company has a cactus garden that they decorate for the holidays.
I have to admit that it’s pretty strange to be walking around in short sleeves among cactus during Christmas time.
Possibly the most epic and amazing burger I’ve ever eaten.
Two 8oz beef patties stuffed with bacon strips and bacon-filled mashed potatoes, topped with cheese, lettuce, onions and more bacon.
Incredible.