Tesla Autopilot 2.0

Credit: Twitter/@jeremywaite

Tesla is about to release a substantial update to the Autopilot hardware & software. New hardware is expected to include radar at each corner, in addition to the existing front-facing radar. The front-facing camera is expected to be upgraded to a triple-system with 25, 50 & 150° fields of view.

LIDAR is not expected to figure in Autopilot 2.0. Tesla is thought to prefer radar for its ability to see through rain, snow, fog & dust.

Software for the 2.0 system will be released as incremental, over-the-air updates, as in the past.

“What we’ve got will blow people’s minds, it blows my mind … it’ll come sooner than people think.” – Elon Musk

More at Electrek
https://electrek.co/2016/08/11/tesla-autopilot-2-0-next-gen-radar-triple-camera-production/ / Tesla Autopilot 2.0 next gen Autopilot more radar new triple camera equipment production Tesla Autopilot hardware suite front-facing camera front-facing radar 360° degree ultrasonic sensor Tesla released Autopilot update v7.0 introduce features Autosteer Autopark automaker significantly improve software release new features hardware sensor suite limitations Autopilot 2.0 next generation Autopilot new hardware Tesla incrementally push new features over-the-air software updates new sensor suite enable level 3 autonomous driving potentially level 4 fully autonomous driving concrete information Tesla’s second generation Autopilot hardware coming sooner than you might think sources with knowledge Autopilot program new suite current front-facing radar add more around the car one in each corner system new front-facing triple camera system Tesla started installing new housing cars this week dual front-facing camera housing second camera slot Model X’s new rearview cutouts triple camera system Tesla comment report reliance radars Tesla CEO Elon Musk future Tesla’s Autopilot program lidar sensors LIDAR Model S lidar mounted on top Tesla’s HQ technology Autopilot 2.0 radar’s capability rain snow fog dust favor favour tech LIDAR Tesla CEO coarse point cloud maps lidar radar temporal smoothing adding several radar antennas Tesla’s Autopilot system multiple sources Tesla software currently available features Autopilot new hardware suite build on features data accumulated Autopilot 1.0 program release more advanced autonomous safety features front-facing triple camera system Mobileye’s Front-facing Trifocal Constellation system main 50° field of view FOV camera general inputs narrow camera 25° FOV redundancy object detection lanes traffic lights fisheye 150° FOV wide camera parallel lanes lane cutting cyclist pedestrian detection recent announcement Tesla Mobileye soon end partnership development of Autopilot systems disagreement hardware Mobileye cameras recommended sensors ADAS products Tesla development in-house more integrated product schematics triple cam system Tesla Autopilot engine control unit leaked earlier this year system Autopilot 2.0 camera changed leaked Autopilot 2.0 hardware additional sensors introduce sensors incrementally Autopilot 1.5 already here new sensors introduced production vehicles release fairly soon components introduced production cars wiring harnesses housing triple camera system rearview mirror cutout essential components Autopilot 2.0 vehicles Tesla release system stage development production expected time of arrival Autopilot 2.0 Tesla’s Autopilot 1.0 Media Control Unit MCU relay information Autopilot powertrain controls system dedicated computing channel can’t confirm Tesla’s vehicles Tesla rumour rumoured working with Nvidia next computing platform self-driving cars Nvidia Tesla supplier Tegra processors powering centre center console infotainment navigation instrument-cluster systems Model S Model X next-generation visual computing platform NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 available this fall good news new hardware suite available vehicles Autopilot improving a lot faster Tesla’s system relies heavily GPS data custom high precision maps system work from live data ride rougher car’s GPS position Tesla’s Autopilot downloads new high precision map tiles based data collected from the fleet Tesla’s custom maps will get a lot better data upcoming new array sensors Tesla’s fleet equipped Autopilot 1.0 benefit Tesla owners autopilot significant improvements upcoming v8.0 Tesla OS wide release update closed beta Tesla’s history closed beta programs release Elon Musk Tesla’s next generation autonomous technology /

QuadRooter – relax, the world’s not about to end

Credit: Top 10 SM

As indicated in these pages yesterday, the QuadRooter vulnerabilities are real, & they do pose a potential risk to your Android device.

However, there are multiple layers of protection, available since Android 4.2, that should keep your device safe:

● QuadRooter needs to be installed as an app

● Unknown Sources setting – by default, Android devices only allow installation of apps from the Google Play Store – Google’s curation is not infallible, but represents a substantial defence against malware in apps

● Verify Apps – Google has confirmed that Verify Apps can identify & block apps using QuadRooter – if a user attempted to install an app with a QuadRooter payload an, “Installation has been blocked”, message would appear, with no option to ignore & install

More at Android Central:
http://www.androidcentral.com/google-confirms-verify-apps-can-block-apps-quadrooter-exploits

Google's Android Support:
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/2812853?hl=en / QuadRooter relax the world’s not about to end Google confirms Verify Apps block apps QuadRooter vulnerabilities latest exploit roadblocked 90% Android devices security feature enabled Android 4.2 QuadRooter latest big Android security scare collection 4 vulnerabilities Qualcomm-based Qualcomm based Android gadgets device allow malicious app gain root access do anything affected device last year's Stagefright exploits QuadRooter delivered form app enable Unknown Sources manually install app somewhere nefarious become infected Android Verify Apps feature Google Play Services enabled by default four years ago Android 4.2 Jelly Bean designed protect against confirmation from Google Verify Apps identify block apps QuadRooter Google spokesperson gave Android Central statement Check Point's research improve safety broader mobile ecosystem Android devices most recent security patch level already protected against three of these four vulnerabilities fourth vulnerability CVE-2016-5340 addressed upcoming Android security bulletin Android partners take action sooner referencing public patch Qualcomm has provided exploitation downloading installing malicious application Verify Apps SafetyNet protections identify block remove applications exploit vulnerabilities devices vulnerable Verify Apps manually disable yet another security feature affected apps using exploit QuadRooter roadblocked completely Verify Apps Android display Installation has been blocked message no option ignore install anyway less serious Installing this app may harm your device message allows click-through Android devices running 4.2 Google Play Services latest data available more than 90% active Android devices older versions Android 2010 Gingerbread release enable Verify Apps Security Google Settings app QuadRooter exactly the kind of threat Google created this extra layer of security 900 million vulnerable devices 90 percent automatically block app using QuadRooter remaining 10 percent protected enable security feature manually QuadRooter threat Google created Verify Apps enabled by default 2012 last line of defense defence generally woeful state security updates Android manufacturers effective way protect many devices Google can't reach monthly security patches big Android security scare important serious often overblown context is important Google's built-in security safeguards should stop QuadRooter 900 million devices /

QuadRooter – new vulnerabilities in over 900 million Android devices – update

QuadRooter Scanner app indicating 4 vulnerabilities
Credit: Check Point

Update – Android's Unknown Sources & Verify Apps keep your phone safe:
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/08/quadrooter-relax-worlds-not-about-to-end.html

Check Point has announced four vulnerabilities affecting Android devices that use Qualcomm chipsets. Around 900 million devices are believed to be affected.

Check if your device is vulnerable with the QuadRooter Scanner app, available at:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.checkpoint.quadrooter&hl=en / Android bug fear 900 million phones Serious security flaws give attackers complete access phone data software millions Android devices bugs Checkpoint researchers software running chipsets US firm Qualcomm processors 900 million Android phones tablets evidence vulnerabilities attacks cyberthieves hackers malware hack hacking vulnerabilities Michael Shaulov head of mobility product management Checkpoint race who finds the bug first good guys bad guys white hats black hats affected devices six months work reverse engineer Qualcomm code revealed problems flaws found software handles graphics code controls communication different processes running inside phone exploiting bugs exploit attacker take control over device gain access data flaws booby-trapped booby trapped apps gain access phone's data Checkpoint information bugs proof of concept code Qualcomm Qualcomm created patches bugs use fixed versions factories patch patched distributed patches phone makers operators issued updates customers' phones Checkpoint free app QuadRooter Scanner check device phone tablet vulnerable vulnerabilities vulnerability bugs patches downloaded installed Mr Shaulov Android owners only download apps official Google Play store falling victim malicious programs phone operator manufacturer patches Qualcomm respond request comment /

Online gaming boosts school scores – RMIT

Kids: are your parents hassling you to stop the online gaming & social media & get on with your homework?

Well, there’s good news, & there’s bad news ...

“Students who play online games almost every day score 15 points above the average in maths & 17 points above the average in science."

“When you play online games you’re solving puzzles to move to the next level & that involves using some of the general knowledge & skills in maths, reading & science that you’ve been taught during the day.” – Associate Professor Alberto Posso, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), School of Economics¹


Associate Professor Alberto Posso, RMIT
Credit: RMIT/Sydney Morning Herald

Facebook was associated with poorer school performance.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-09/online-gaming-can-boost-school-scores/7703070

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/computer-gamers-have-an-edge-in-the-classroom-study-20160808-gqnbhc.html

See the original study at: http://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/5586/1742
__________

¹ Gizmodo: “Australian Study Finds Playing Video Games Improves School Grades”, http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2016/08/australian-study-finds-playing-video-games-improves-school-grades/ / teenagers who regularly play online video games tend to improve their school results new research RMIT University school students visit Facebook chat sites every day fall behind maths reading science Associate Professor Alberto Posso RMIT School of Economics Finance Marketing investigated results testing globally recognised Program for International Student Assessment PISA tested 12,000 Australian 15-year-olds maths reading science collecting data students online activities video games help students apply sharpen skills learned at school students play online games every day score 15 points above average maths 17 points above average science play online games solving puzzles move next level using general knowledge skills maths reading science taught during the day teachers consider incorporating popular video games teaching not violent ones teenagers Facebook chat every day scored 20 points worse maths students never used social media students regularly on social media losing time study struggling with maths reading science going online socialise teachers blending use Facebook classes helping those students engage recognise other factors major impact teenagers progress repeating academic year skipping classes bad worse scores high use of social media indigenous students minority ethnic or linguistic groups greater risk falling behind using Facebook chat every day /

It’s official – facts don’t matter – what’s important is how you feel

Former House Speaker, failed presidential candidate, & Donald Trump vice president runner-up, Newt Gingrich, has said, in a tv interview, that:

● the fact that violent crime is down across the USA is not important

● what’s important is how people feel about it
● it’s OK to cherry pick data to suit your argument

See for yourself:



Newt owes 114 small businesses a total of $4.6 million from his failed 2012 presidential campaign. He has no intention to pay. Apparently, the fact that he owes the money, is less important than his feeling that he doesn’t want to pay.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/newt-gingrich-campaign-debt_us_57a4d293e4b03ba6801241c7 / newt is a slender-bodied amphibian. Newt Gingrich is a slippery politician Washington Newt Gingrich no plans pay back dozens small businesses made yard signs TV ads 2012 presidential campaign Gingrich filed document Federal Election Commission detailing debt settlement plan finally terminate 2012 presidential campaign committee document shows Newt 2012 plans stiff 114 businesses consultants together owed $4.6 million former House speaker failed presidential candidate Donald Trump vice president runner-up forced file debt settlement plan FEC alternative dispute resolution process Gingrich complaint alleging campaign illegally commingled campaign funds corporate funds company controlled Gingrich his wife Callista Gingrich FEC general counsel allegations complaint did not penalize Gingrich campaign file debt settlement plan terminate 2016 plan Gingrich debt settlement plan document total amount to be paid to creditors zero dollars Gingrich did not respond request for comment common political campaigns wind up in debt that takes years to pay off Gingrich owes unusually large amount battle Mitt Romney 2012 Republican primary debts owed small firms helped Gingrich campaign vendors pretty mad about getting stiffed sums involved tens hundreds of thousands of dollars small business We got burned Las Vegas graphics company owner vendors seemed accept the fact that Newt would never pay campaign effort to collect Gingrich not first politician disappoint supporters won’t be the last /

Is the writing on the wall for handwriting?

Credit: Pinterest

How much do you write by hand? Most of us use a keyboard, physical &/or on a touchscreen for most of our writing. Dictation to computer or phone is becoming more common. I have to admit to a deterioration in the quality of my handwriting on the rare occasions I use it. Actually, the only recent handwriting I can recall is writing “paid” & the date on bills (paid using a keyboard), & signatures.

Should handwriting continue to be taught at school? Is handwriting important to learning to read? Does it facilitate growth of cognitive development or creativity? Cursive script verses printing? If children didn't have to learn to write by hand, think of the useful skills they could learn in the time saved.

Some see the decreasing use of handwriting as a significant loss. On the other hand, few express any concern about the almost total loss of carving-text-into-stone skills.

Podcast & transcript at:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/futuretense/is-the-writing-on-the-wall-for-handwriting/6761164

10 Ways To Rescue Handwriting From The Grave
https://www.fastcodesign.com/1671586/10-ways-to-rescue-handwriting-from-the-grave / writing on the wall handwriting handwriting anachronism Finland many American states dropped it from the curriculum many psychologists believe cursive writing important role to play in cognitive development We value the written word Civilised societies defining features human advancement concept written word detached original mechanics writing quill pen keyboard keyboard touch screen scrawl ink-filled plastic stick finger and thumb our thoughts greetings communication reassess write literal literary virtue necessity teaching handwriting detractors writing by hand anachronism Finland dropped national curriculum many American states removed handwriting educational requirements teaching cursive script make the news state officials opt to keep it psychologist Angela Webb demise of handwriting real threat basis of education Dr Webb chair National Handwriting Association UK United Kingdom writing by hand stimulates cognitive processes no longer use a pen pencil daily communication teaching of handwriting essential for effective learning helps retain information helps develop other skills reading support retention of concepts mathematics very high correlation between creative writing by hand keyboard handwriting confers very specific benefit cognitive processing neurological research pretty solid evidence handwriting preschool changes brain literate individual looks like Karin James associate professor Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Indiana University conducting experiments young children neural imaging link physical act of writing early reading proficiency facilitates reading really important take that seriously evidence tablets computers introducing in preschool facilitatory effect on reading no evidence contrary production by hand letters help children understand letters then the words human brain is malleable adapt to the computer environment over time texting or typing same impact reading acquisition writing by hand adaptation Professor Anne Trubek author The History and Uncertain Future of Handwriting very different perspective like it or not handwriting already lost its position our primary means of communication time to move on loss fine motor skill kinetic memory lost people hand write less something to mourn advantages that will come in its place many things that we have lost in the history of writing worth mourning carving on stone memories oral cultures more capacious lose when you enter a literate culture writing and technology many revolutions changes years since humans have been writing just part of a transition people have the same anxieties and fears with each change casts doubt veracity research supporting retention handwriting in schools studies not as conclusively convincing headlines studies sample sizes quite small conclusions dumber research conclude writing by hand intrinsic social good disabled punished in the past lack penmanship studies conclusive teachers grade students lower poor handwriting content is identical good handwriting poorly written handwritten essay receive different grades typewritten receive same grade democratising force level the playing field Ewan Clayton warns against sentimentality professor of design University of Sunderland author The Golden Thread: A History of Writing dealing with massive change technology changes in writing practices changing use and think about library newspapers books emotional attachments institutions objects anxiety changes handle big adjustments personally wider social context equality handwriting political ideological weapon tool of enlightenment Industrial Revolution decrease in literacy dangerous thing to teach the working classes how to write records Britain funding schools fund school as long teach those students to read write gender differences writing young boys taught to write young girls taught writing particular kind of writing much narrower form of letter European context marked paperman or a woman previous experience technological change future of handwriting contentious issue debate irrelevance Clive Thompson contributing writer New York Times Magazine Wired type and text next stage of communication voice writing rise of new mass compositional practice handwriting only way to get your thoughts down typewriter get your ideas down voice dictation writing text by speaking it emails smart phone smartphone written using voice transcription service Siri type on a phone slow and clumsy speak clear voice generate an email text message note much more quickly mobile device text message email from me wrote the whole thing using my voice voice transcription slightly more oral cadence to the writing more formal contractions formulates sentences difficulty of correcting errors using voice transcription software means think first what he wants to say mental process computer cut paste undo write with a quill pen dipping ink hard to fix errors mental practices ink quill writing composed their sentences in their heads before they started writing implications for teaching early years of schooling profound introduction of laptops computer tablets classroom composition with their voice teach train do it well avoid poor habits teach people to handwrite teach them to type writing with your voice best cognitive tool educational setting voice design writing expert Ewan Clayton future potential for writing by voice either/or scenario communication technology human habits multiple channels of communication writing Roman world carved in stone wrote on papyrus scrolls styluses wax tablets variety of technologies different situations history handwriting niche uses pencils ballpoints ink on paper /

Scientists stumble upon a new shade of blue that's perfect for roofing

Credit: Oregon State University/Stuff

Shown above, the new pigment, which is:

● more durable than alternatives
● non toxic
● almost totally resistant to fading

has also been discovered to reflect 40% of infrared in sunlight. This makes it ideal as roof paint, for its cooling effect on the building underneath.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/81734717/Scientists-stumble-upon-a-new-shade-of-blue-thats-perfect-for-roofing / near perfect blue pigment accidental discovery Oregon State University scientists ideal roofing scientists Oregon State University accidently stumbled blue hue amazing qualities lead scientist Mas Subramanian color colour pigment 2009 mixing manganese oxide black colour other chemicals heating 1093 degrees celsius market extremely high infrared reflectivity 40 percent roofing eco-friendly method cooling building pigment advantage more durable safe fairly easy to produce energy efficiency happy accidental discovery new shade YInMn Y In Mn combination elements made from yttrium indium manganese Oregon State University near-perfect blue pigment YInMn has a unique crystal structure manganese pigment ions absorb red and green wavelengths reflect blue vibrant blue hue compound structure stable colour will not fade oil water YInMn cobalt blue Prussian blue non toxic /