It’s just a matter of time before robots become smarter than us. And perhaps at some point in the future, the idea of artificial intelligence rising up to destroy mankind will come true. Epipheo interviewed “Robopocalypse” author Daniel H. Wilson to find out exactly how to survive a robot uprising.

Watch:

Post from: Daily Contributor

Here are a few things we can do to reduce the odds of being killed by the evil robots

Panasonic recently demonstrated its Head Care Robot — a new machine that “offers a more satisfying and relaxing experience than a wash from a human.”

According to the electronics giant’s promo video, the robot, which is being developed for elderly and disabled, has sensors in each of its 24 artificial fingers. Eight of the fingers work the back of your neck while the rest rub your scalp.

Aside from shampooing your hair, the machine can also rinse it, apply a conditioner during the massage session, and even blow dry it off for good measure.

Check out Panasonic’s Head Care Robot in action:

There’s this cute girl in my favorite salon in downtown Manila who does a very relaxing neck and head massage (and sometimes more) every time she washes my hair. So why would I settle for a robot with 24 fingers that can just shampoo, condition and blow-dry my crowning glory? All I need is a gorgeous Asian chick in a sheer white top and a black bra who gives me the “extra”!

Post from: Daily Contributor

Video: Panasonic’s new robot can shampoo your hair and massage your scalp

Exploring new technologies has never been this good. Evolution in communication lines are evident until now. From land lines, pagers, cell phones, and now, smart phones. Whether through calls or chats or even visiting your favorite networking sites, smart phones have it all! Indeed, technology advances faster than we could think of. Leading to these advances is Samsung, one of the leading companies that provide us with various smart phone choices. And now, another technological rumors state that Samsung is going to launch another galaxy phone called as Samsung Galaxy SIII.

Several leakages about the features of this new smart phone are all round the net. The most awaited day of its release is said to be on May 3, 2012 at London. Rumors indicated the following specifications (what the consumers usually look at):

• 4.6 inch High Definition screen
• 1280 x 720 pixel resolution
• Processor: Samsung Exynos (1.4GHz quad-core)
• 2GB RAM
• 2 MP front camera, 12 or 16 MP rear camera
• Use of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Now we have a glimpse of what this new technology could offer, the next question would be how far is the advancement of Samsung Galaxy SIII from its predecessor (Samsung Galaxy SII)?

Screen

Wider screen means wider view of your applications, wider field for fun and exciting games, wider area for office applications. SIII is said to have a 0.3 wider screen as compared to SII.

Camera

More detailed images with higher resolution cameras are also updated in this new Galaxy smart phone. So stop missing out on that precious moments, take pictures whether on the move or not, SIII can capture it!

Processor

For personal computers, dual-cores are probably on of best bet. Dual core processors make fast response to mobile activities such as gaming, multitasking can be done smoothly, experience browsing your web pages in a snap, etc. Although there’s no or little evidence that quad-cores are better than dual cores, it is also worth the try. Just like buying a newly upgraded phone, you know there is a difference, and that difference accounts for mostly positive ones.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) goes hand in hand with the processor. The larger the RAM, the faster the navigating and process would be. SIII has doubled RAM memory as compared to SII. With quad core processor and a 2GB RAM, how fast can that get huh?

Physical Buttons

We are all used to seeing physical buttons for our cellular devices. It gives us easy access to what we need to do in that phone. One disadvantage of SII is the lack of physical home and exit buttons. If you’re new to these kinds of things, then it will be hard to determine which button to point at. Luckily, SIII is said to have this physically visible buttons.

Whatever the differences they have, we are sure that Samsung does their job to ensure that their clients would buy and enjoy their products. Newer versions of their mobile technology are definitely the most updated and feature a lot of good specifications. I don’t really want to get too technological about this. All I can assure is that most of us can’t wait to buy or at least have a hold of this new Samsung Galaxy SIII. With its promising features and specifications, Samsung will definitely have whooping sales of this product. Indeed, it will be another hit in the market and another valuable worth of our money!

—

This is a guest post by Abigail Ang

Abigail is an aspiring writer and a former Backpacker. She is into almost all types of music. she also has a passion in singing and an interest in sports particularly Ultimate (Frisbee) and running. Abigail is currently taking care of her 2 daughters Shiela and Ria.

Post from: Daily Contributor

Samsung Galaxy S III

This is called the Hover Car, Volkswagen‘s sci-fi-inspired eco-friendly two-seater that floats just above the ground using electromagnetic road networks.

My father always told me that in the future, we’d have flying cars. For most concept vehicles, though, that “future” never arrives. I’m just hoping to see VW’s Hover Car go from being just a “great idea” to becoming a reality…soon!

Watch:

Post from: Daily Contributor

Video: Volkswagen reveals the Hover Car concept

Choc Creator, the 3D printer that uses chocolate as its ink, is currently available for pre-order and should be commercially released by the end of the month, according to BBC News.

The concept is simple: the machine allows users to print their own custom-made sweets, layer by layer to create a 3D shape, without any molding tools.

“You just need to melt some chocolate, fill a syringe that is stored in the printer, and get creative printing your chocolate,” said Dr. Liang Hao, the lead scientist who developed the machine.

Attractive as it may sound to anyone with a sweet tooth, this printer is totally impractical because of the eye-watering cost. It’s almost $4,000 USD, and you have to pay a 30% deposit if you pre-order now.

I think the machine is useful only to those who are either with Willy Wonka or are into some kind of chocolate business.  If you’re an Average Joe then this can serve no purpose but adding on the extra pounds.

Watch the Choc Creator in action in the videos below.

Post from: Daily Contributor

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some chocolates to print

iPhone and iPad users who don’t have access to the official Siri software can now run the app on their devices, thanks to i4Siri.

i4Siri works on jailbroken iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPad 2, and even on iPod Touch (fourth generation). We won’t encourage you to jailbreak your devices just to have access to the popular virtual assistant, but If you really want to try it for yourself, visit the i4Siri website and check out the video below for instructions.

Post from: Daily Contributor

i4Siri brings Siri to jailbroken Apple devices

As we all browse on the Internet, the high speed gratification seems to grow on us. So much, that an inkling in lack of speed makes us impatient – for just about everything.

Created by: Online Graduate Programs

Post from: Daily Contributor

Infographic: The Instant Gratification of America

True to its core values of safety and quality, Swedish carmaker Volvo has developed an external airbag on the front of its all-new V40 model, designed to save pedestrian lives.

The five-door, five-seater hatchback, unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, features front bumper sensors that register contact between the car and the pedestrian. In the event of a collision, the rear end of the bonnet rises and the airbag inflates across the lower edge of the windscreen and along the A-pillars. The airbag is constructed in a U-shape so the driver can maintain sight of the road and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

The V40, Volvo’s first model designed under owner Zhejiang Geely Holding Group of China, also features a Pedestrian Detection technology that can detect if a pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car. If the driver is unable to respond in time, the vehicle automatically activates the brakes. It will go on sale later this year.

Video: Volvo Pedestrian Airbag

Post from: Daily Contributor

Volvo’s new hatchback comes with pedestrian airbag

The influences of technology has impacted all parts of our lives. A study on the use of Twitter in the classroom resulted in a positive effect that could change social media and education for good. This infographic illustrates that study.

Created by: Educational Psychology

Post from: Daily Contributor

Infographic: Twitter in the Classroom

Apple’s business took some scrutiny during the recent news on Foxconn and any integrity or social justice was questioned. This infographic highlights the shocking comparisons of Apple’s products to their factory workers.

Created by: Online MBA Programs

Post from: Daily Contributor

iKill

One of the biggest announcements at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain is Nokia’s 808 PureView, a new smartphone that can safely be called the highest resolution cameraphone ever.

The hefty handset “features a 41 megapixel sensor with high-performance Carl Zeiss optics and new pixel oversampling technology,” which means it can take far better photos than other high-end smartphones.

41MP — that’s more than the megapixel count on the Canon EOS-1DX and Nikon D4 dSLRs…combined. But the real purpose of the PureView isn’t for creating massive photos, but rather downsizing a 41 megapixel. The default mode records only 5-megapixel images by condensing seven pixels into one, but you can turn off that default and get 38-megapixel pictures if you think you can handle the enormous file size.

The PureView can also record full HD video and “CD-like” hi-fi audio using the camera’s Dolby 5.1 sensor. But here’s the catch: it runs Symbian. No price or release date yet announced, though a $600 price tag in May have been mentioned by Gizmodo. Check out the promo video after the jump.

For more info about the Nokia 808 Pure View, read the Finnish mobile giant’s press release here.

Post from: Daily Contributor

Nokia’s new smartphone shoots 41-megapixel photos

Caltex, one of the world’s leading energy brands and marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), is helping three charity organizations generate awareness and funding by recently launching an online game called “Captain Bubbly’s Enjoyable Journey”

The game features a hot air balloon which players keep afloat until they reach their destination while dodging obstacles along the way. Obstacles that hit the balloon slow it down and drain the life bar. Game ends when life bar hits zero.

The game which can be accessed after “liking” the Caltex Philippines Facebook page, has four stages or destinations: Ilocos to Manila, Manila to Bicol, Bicol to Bohol, Bohol to Zamboanga. Player earns P10 by reaching their target destination. Player has the option to donate earnings to one of three charities or continue playing. Caltex will convert game earnings to cash donations for charities selected by player.

The three recipient non-profits are Project Seahorse Foundation (PSF) for environment, Smokey Mountain Team for sports and Hospicio de San Jose (HSJ) for education.

CPI Caltex Brand Manager Veronica Pangilinan said, “Caltex has always been active in partnership with non-profit groups that positively impact people’s lives. These disadvantaged groups of people are also host communities of Caltex, living next or near our terminals and facilities. We created this simple online game so that these partner non-profits of Caltex will be able to draw upon a global network of like-minded people.

To create the game and facility for donations Caltex partnered with Ammado, a global funding network for non-profits. Ammado connects non-profits, socially responsible companies and engaged individuals in a unique, interactive environment. It harnesses the power of the Internet to accelerate communication, awareness and fundraising.

Post from: Daily Contributor

Caltex rolls out online game for charity

The highly anticipated BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 is now globally available and ready for download. The new software delivers an enhanced tablet experience and allows you to use the BlackBerry PlayBook in new ways throughout the day – at work and at play.

“Building on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet’s proven web browsing, multimedia and multitasking strengths, the new BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 introduces a range of new communications and productivity enhancements as well as expanded app and content support,” said David J. Smith, SVP Mobile Computing, Research In Motion.

New BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 features include:

• Integrated email client with a powerful unified inbox: With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 you have the option to use a unified inbox that consolidates all messages in one place, including messages from Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as personal and work email accounts.

• Social Integration with Calendar and Contacts apps: The built-in calendar harnesses information from social networks and makes it available where and when users need it. Contact cards are also dynamically populated with updated information from Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to create a consolidated view of contacts.

• Updated BlackBerry Bridge app: BlackBerry Bridge is a unique app that provides a Bluetooth connection between your BlackBerry PlayBook and core apps on your BlackBerry smartphone (including BBM, Email, Contacts, Calendar and Browser) in order to let you view the content on the larger tablet display. With BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, it’s easier and quicker than ever to take documents, web pages, emails and photos that appear on your BlackBerry smartphone and display them on your BlackBerry PlayBook for an optimized viewing and editing experience. The updated BlackBerry Bridge app also provides a new remote control feature that allows a BlackBerry smartphone to be used as a wireless keyboard and mouse for a BlackBerry PlayBook.

• Improved mobile productivity: Updated document editing functions, the new Print To Go app, and increased control and manageability of corporate data with BlackBerry Balance allow you to get more out of your BlackBerry PlayBook every day. Plus, an updated virtual keyboard with auto correction and predictive next word completion learns how you type to enable faster, more accurate typing.

• New apps and content: Thousands of new apps are being added to BlackBerry App World (including a range of Android apps that will run on the BlackBerry PlayBook). Enhanced web browsing capabilities are also available with BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0.

In conjunction with the release of BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0, RIM is making available an initial release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion that will include support for managing BlackBerry PlayBook tablets and BlackBerry smartphones in an enterprise. The full release of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion (with mobile device management capabilities for iOS and Android devices) is planned for general availability in late March 2012. For more information about BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, please visit www.blackberry.com/mobilefusion.

The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 software update is now available as a free download for all BlackBerry PlayBook tablets.

Post from: Daily Contributor

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 now available for download

BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™), the rich and unique messaging platform for BlackBerry® users, is now more accessible than ever. For as low as PHP 99 per month, BlackBerry users can stay constantly in touch with their colleagues, friends, and loved ones, and enjoy unlimited BBM messages, photo-sharing, and group chats anytime. Other fun perks of BBM include adding contacts by swapping PINs and scanning barcodes, sharing multimedia, expressing yourself with profile photos and status messages, and knowing when your messages have been delivered and read.

If you are not a BlackBerry user just yet, you can get started on the road to experiencing BBM by participating in two exciting activities that will give you the chance to win BlackBerry smartphones and other amazing prizes.

BBMPhotoMe Contest.* Get your creative juices flowing and join the BBMPhotoMe contest running from February 15 – 28, 2012 at the BlackBerry Pilipinas Facebook Fan Page (www.facebook.com/BlackBerryPH). Visit the contest tab and upload an original photo of yourself with the BBM speech bubble, demonstrating the contest theme “Show How BBM™ Lets You Express Yourself.”

Rally your friends to join the BlackBerry Pilipinas Facebook community to support you during the two week voting period from February 29 to March 11, 2012. All photos will be judged according to the following criteria: Online Votes 20%, Creativity: 30%; Originality: 30% and Relevancy to the Theme 20%. The 6 entries that garner the highest percentage will be declared winners.

BlackBerry Pilipinas is giving away the following prizes to the best entries per contest theme:

• 1st Place Prize (1 winner). A BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900 smartphone

• 2nd Place Prize (3 winners). A BlackBerry® Curve™ 9300 smartphone

• 3rd Place Prize (2 winners). A BlackBerry® Curve™ 8520 smartphone

Dare To Do More: The Ultimate BBM Challenge @ Trinoma. BlackBerry smartphones, exclusive premiums, and other fun prizes are also up for grabs at the Dare To Do More: The Ultimate BBM Challenge happening on February 18 (Saturday), at the Activity Center of Trinoma, Quezon City. Gather your whole barkada, have fun at the experiential booths, and purchase the latest BlackBerry smartphones in the Philippines today. Discover just why BBM is the ultimate messaging platform by participating in the BBM tournament from 1-4pm. Prove your mastery of BBM and advance to the finals from 6-8pm, which will pit your BBM skills with trailblazers and a mystery celebrity BBM user.

The BBM event in Trinoma officially kick starts the BBM mall tours in Metro Manila.

Like www.facebook.com/BlackBerryPH, follow @BlackBerryPH on Twitter, and visit ph.blackberry.com for the latest information and updates on BlackBerry in the Philippines.

Post from: Daily Contributor

Experience BlackBerry Messenger Now and Win Prizes!

Robotics enthusiasts from Cornell University and the University of Chicago are proud to present a robot that can pick up objects and throw them without the need for complex hands.

Called the Positive Pressure Universal Gripper, the robotic arm can shoot hoops like a pro, toss bolts and springs into boxes, and play darts with extreme precision using a latex balloon filled with coffee grounds.

This balloon conforms to whatever object it touches. When the air is sucked out, a pinching effect occurs that uses friction to lift it up. The robot can then fire off the object by rapidly filling the balloon with air again.

WATCH:

Very impressive. But as a basketball fan, I’m a little scared by the potential of this machine.

[Hat tip to Techland]

Post from: Daily Contributor

Video: Amazing new robot shoots hoops, hits the bull’s eye, and makes us feel incompetent