Daily Bits

Software

Google Car Will Save Lives

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At least that’s what Google is claiming.  It seems that the software giant is not content with its current status – it now wants to dabble in the “real” world.  With its new software that is supposed to control cars, Google just might be able to do that.

They have recently announced their “super secret” project, which is artificial intelligence software, that will allow cars to drive themselves without the need for a human driver.  The idea behind the software is simple enough – the system scans the surroundings and adjusts the car’s behavior accordingly.  Needless to say, the implementation is probably hell.

If tests are to be believed, though, Google’s project works!  In their announcement, Google mentioned that they have tested the software on six Toyota Priuses and one Audi TT.  Their engineers have reportedly gone 140,000 miles in test drives, and so far, only one accident has been reported.  It is important to highlight that this accident was caused by a “normal” car driving into the back of a Google car. (So I guess that doesn’t count.)

The implications for motorists are tremendous!  What Google is claiming – that the system can save lives – just might be true! Speaking for myself, I know that I would finally be able to park a car without having to worry about hitting the other vehicles around me.  For those whose minds wander while driving, this development is also a boon!

Google spokesperson, Sebastian Thrun, is quick to say, however, that at the end of the day, it is still the driver that is responsible for everything.  Also, the system is not expected to be available to the general public till at least several years from now.  I think I can wait until then.  In the meantime, I shall rely on the driving skills and generosity of spirit of other people – oh, and the cab drivers as well.

CopyTrans: The Easy Way to Back Your iPod Up

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Everyone loves just how easy it is to transfer songs to Apple iPods. Whichever kind of iPod you are using, the interface that iTunes offers is so simple and intuitive that even the most technologically challenged people I know do not have many problems filling their iPods up with music, images, and videos.

The reverse process – transferring files from an iPod to the computer – is a whole new story, though. I still remember when I got my first iPod (it was the black and red U2 one). I had no inkling about this “issue.” Needless to say, I got frustrated in the beginning.

Today, though, this is not really a problem anymore. With a single click, you can easily back your iPod up and make sure that its contents are accessible on your computer as well. CopyTrans is a piece of software that can do this for you without you wanting to tear your hair out.

There are two modes – Smart Backup and Manual Backup. The first one is highly recommended for beginners. You simply click a button and you can make sure that your iTunes will have everything that your iPod has. It is the perfect choice if you just bought a new laptop (or you reformatted your hard drive) and your iTunes library is empty. It is also an easy way to “fix” your iTunes library if it is missing some songs that are in your iPod. No thinking necessary – just click and CopyTrans will do it for you! The Manual Backup mode is great for more advanced users who want more control over which files to transfer to the computer.

However way you want it, CopyTrans can do it for you. No more fussing about how to get those tracks from the iPod onto the computer! Oh, and yes, the newest version is compatible with the new iOS. For a mere $19.99, you get the convenience that you’ve always wanted. I want a copy myself!

Go Fast and Accurate with Dragon NaturallySpeaking

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Speech-recognition programs used to be a thing for the future, but I guess we’re in yesterday’s future now. There have been programs promising to deliver in this regard, but the latest from Nuance seems to hold a lot of promise.

Nuance Communications recently launched an updated version of their speech-recognition program with bold promises:

  • 15 percent improvement in accuracy
  • 3 times faster than typing
  • Faster execution of voice commands.

Reading those promises, one can’t help but be excited – if you are into using speech-recognition software. However, not everyone is that impressed with the announcements. David Pogue from the New York Times unenthusiastically says:

This upgrade follows the same philosophy as the last few annual updates. It’s full of nips and tucks, all welcome, all well-executed, though none killer — and the annual improvement in dictation accuracy.

Nuance says the new version is 15 percent more accurate. Which is fine, if barely noticeable (how much better is a 15 percent gain when you’re already getting 99.6 percent accuracy?). More interesting is how it got there.

He does have a point about the gain in accuracy, doesn’t he?

In any case, you can check out a demo video below.

You can purchase the new program – it has several versions – from Nuance’s web site. The cheapest comes in at $99.99 (Home).

3 Internet Pet Peeves and Their Fixes

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Considering the time that you probably spend online, you would know that there are a lot of things that can happen out there that get your goat. We all have our pet peeves; some of them we can find fixes for, some we just can’t do anything. And, speaking of these Internet problems and fixes, I read a very interesting and useful list at PC World.

There are too many too mention here, but let me give you the three that are my pet peeves.

Facebook game and apps overload

I love Facebook games – a couple of them, at least; but I know how irritating it can be to see all those feeds when you are NOT interested in them. Hence, I try to limit the things that I publish. If you have friends who can’t help but flood your feed with their Facebook games and apps, though, PC World suggests Facebook Purity, which is part of Firefox’s GreaseMonkey add-on.

Useless search bars in web sites

What use is a search bar embedded in a web site if you can’t get relevant results? This has happened to me countless of times that I have simply stopped using them most of the time. What I have been doing is what PC World suggests: go to your usual search engine and key in site:nameofsite.com “what you’re looking for” instead.

Flash ads automatically blaring out some audio

Imagine browsing the net while at Starbucks or some other place when suddenly, this loud audio emanates from your speakers. Forget that – imagine working late into the night, you’re alone at home, and the same thing happens. I have jumped out of my skin so many times because of this! Here’s the fix from PC World: use FlashMute, which blocks Flash access to your audio. They do have a disclaimer: your anti-virus software might see it as an attack when you download the software. Ignore it.

For the complete list, visit PC World.

VLC 1.1 Is Faster And Better

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Since its original release, VLC media player has gotten a lot of attention and has become one of the most used – if not the most used – media players today. This is due to many reasons, but for the most part it is due to ease of use and the functionalities that the software offers. I can’t say how many times seeing that striped cone icon has made me happy!

Last week, a new version of VLC was released – VLC 1.1.0 – and true to form, the software has received largely positive reviews. One big reason behind the enthusiasm of users for VLC 1.1.0 is the fact that it is ready for HD.

How so?

VLC 1.1.0’s hardware video acceleration makes it ready to process high resolution images and offers much smoother playback. With the trend pointing to the use of HD more and more, this is a welcome development for users. Another important update added to this version is the support for WebM, which is being touted as the new standard for video. Of course, there are countless other fixes and tweaks that have been made for this release.

On the flip side, SHOUTcast streaming has been removed – VLC 1.1.0 does not support this anymore. The reason behind this is that AOL was demanding that VLC bundle AOL software with the player. This included adware, mind you. It was either that or remove the SHOUTcast support. Guess what the guys behind VLC chose?

In any case, the removal of SHOUTcast, while it will be missed, is not that big of an issue. The software is still free and works perfectly. Download VLC 1.1.0 here.