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Sunday, August 7, 2011

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Boeing's CST-100 to shoot non-NASA astronauts into space by 2015

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 09:56 AM PDT

Day job just too darn terrestrial? Maybe you should score a gig at Boeing, which'll apparently sling two of its very own into space come 2015. What'll be their chariot? The company's CST-100 -- you know that spiffy capsule that can hurtle a lucky seven humans 100km into the dark abyss. Strapped to ULA's Atlas V, the crew will follow two unmanned missions, eventually reaching the International Space Station. If that all goes to plan, commercial service will start in 2016. Now about those extra five seats...
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Boeing Selects Atlas V Rocket for Initial Commercial Crew Launches

Reliable United Launch Alliance rocket to launch in 2015

HOUSTON, Aug. 4, 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced it has selected the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket to launch the Boeing Crew Space Transportation (CST)-100 spacecraft from Florida's Space Coast.

"This selection marks a major step forward in Boeing's efforts to provide NASA with a proven launch capability as part of our complete commercial crew transportation service," said John Elbon, vice president and program manager of Commercial Crew Programs and the source selection official for Boeing.

If NASA selects Boeing for a development contract with sufficient funding, ULA will provide launch services for an autonomous orbital flight, a transonic autonomous abort test launch, and a crewed launch, all in 2015.

The addition of ULA to the Boeing team enables the start of detailed design work on an integrated system for launch and spacecraft operations. The team also will refine launch abort operations that will meet NASA's stringent human rating requirements to safely transport crew and cargo to the International Space Station. Boeing conducted a best-value competition among U.S. launch service providers prior to selecting the Atlas V.

"We are pleased Boeing selected the Atlas V rocket and believe it is the right vehicle to help usher in the new commercial era in human spaceflight," said George Sowers, ULA vice president of Business Development. "The Atlas V is a cost-effective, reliable vehicle and ULA stands ready to support Boeing's commercial human spaceflight program."

Boeing plans to begin wind tunnel testing of the Atlas V and the CST-100 this year and will use the results to complete a preliminary design review of the integrated system in 2012 under the second round of its Commercial Crew Development Space Act Agreement with NASA.

The Commercial Crew program consists of developing, manufacturing, testing and evaluating, and demonstrating the CST-100 spacecraft, launch vehicle and ground/mission operations – all part of Boeing's Commercial Crew Transportation System – for NASA's new Commercial Crew human spaceflight program that will provide access to the International Space Station.

The CST-100 is a reusable, capsule-shaped spacecraft that includes a crew module and a service module. It relies on proven, affordable materials and subsystem technologies that can transport up to seven people, or a combination of people and cargo.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 64,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Caption Contest: Bakebot learns to actually bake things, feed the looming robot army

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 08:15 AM PDT

Aww, look! Bakebot's soooo cute! He's actually cooking things these days, thanks to MIT grad student Mario Bollini, who recently upped the creature's skill level in an effort to grab more calories with less effort. Little did he know, however, that teaching a self-contained machine how to feed the future uprising wasn't exactly the best long-term move. No, that creeping feeling of fear isn't unwarranted.

Darren: "01001111 01001101 01000111 00100000 01000011 01001111 01001111 01001011 01001001 01000101 01010011!"
Terrence: "Bakebot's lessons with the master chef were going so well, until his Bork to binary translator failed"
Brian: "Bakebot love kitten. Bakebot eat kitten."
Brad: "Stephanie! Johnny no add vanilla!"
Sean: "It's so unfair! I have eight other senses, but I'd trade them all -- even smision -- to be able to taste."
Christopher: "Rachel Ray hit a wall with 15 minute meals, so we found a faster, more charismatic replacement. Meet Rachel Number 5."
Michael: "Here I thought the robot apocalypse would be powered by nuclear fusion and laser beams, turns out it'll be running on profiteroles and delicious cakes."
Jon: "I'm toasting bread in my head right now...seriously"
Zach: "You want me to wear a what? Why don't you trying sticking a fan in your scalp. Then you can tell me to wear a hairnet."
Joseph: "How do ya like my ganache now, Martha???"
Daniel: "A robot may not injure a cupcake or, through inaction, allow a cupcake to come to harm."
Richard Lai: "How do you like them cookies, Firefox?"
Jose: "How am I supposed to add a teaspoon of sugar with this underperforming Kinect camera?"
Kevin: "Enough with the cakes, what was Leia saying about our only hope?"
Dana: "I. Love. A. Little. Bourbon. In. My. Cookies. Don't. You."
Richard Lawler: "Death to all humans. Sweet, delicious, chocolatey... death."
Don: "Just don't call him Iron Chef. He hates that."
Billy: "Ace of Cakes was canceled because I annihilated the host.. now I must weaponize that Millennium Falcon cake."
Zachary: "Jobless MIT grad narrowly avoids soup kitchen, emerges from basement with replacement mother."

Samsung brings WNBA-sized Galaxy Tab 8.9 to BlogHer 2011

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 06:22 AM PDT

The release date and pricing info we're waiting on from the Galaxy Tab 8.9 continues to elude us, but Samsung's slightly smaller slate did find time to make a live US appearance at BlogHer 2011 this week. Handled by our friends at Tecca, the new TouchWiz UX looked every bit as slick and speedy here as it did on the regulation size 10.1-inch Tab, but on a screen that might be easier to handle. There's no real surprises -- you knew the speakers had migrated around to the sides of the Tab's proprietary connector, right? -- but now that Samsung's showing it off to the public a wide release is hopefully just around the corner.

Gigantic LED wall provides gaming at Sziget Fest, destroys your cred from miles away

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 03:59 AM PDT

We can't think of a better way to promote your company than with a 30 meter high (10 stories) tower filled with all sorts of tech goodness. Vodafone plans on doing just that, with what will be the tallest building in Hungarian festival history at next week's Sziget Festival. This monstrosity will not only be a lookout platform, but it will employ 250 square meters (about 2690 square feet) of LED walls. For what, you might ask? Why, gaming of course -- festival goers can play Rocket Bullet Storm, if they're man or woman enough to risk their gamer cred in front of thousands. If using 1.5 million LED units wasn't enough to entice attendees, the structure will also offer free internet access, charging stations and host DJ sets that last through the night. We can only hope that this will catch on elsewhere, so that our Michael Jackson: The Experience skills can be broadcast for miles.

US judge won't return seized URL to Rojadirecta.com, absolutamente no

Posted: 07 Aug 2011 01:01 AM PDT

Welcome to the homepage of popular sports streaming and p2p site Rojadirecta.com. Why all the birdy logos and harsh words about going to prison? Well, it's a convoluted story, which began when a whole bunch of sports sites -- including Rojadirecta -- were summarily seized by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, based on "probable cause to believe" they'd been involved in copyright infringement. Awkwardly, the Spanish owners of this particular site had already been cleared of any wrongdoing by courts in Spain, but this counted for nada because their .com URL was American. So, their one hope was to convince a US judge that the seizure violated the First Amendment and should be overturned. This case won support from freedom of speech activists like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, but on Thursday it finally failed. The presiding judge ruled that no rights had been violated, because Rojadirecta could easily set up shop at a non-US address and continue to function. Bad news indeed for the Spaniards -- maybe they should move to the UK, where due process takes a whole lot longer.

Du.static dust-busting concept clears the air, won't vanquish Voldemort

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 09:53 PM PDT

Avada Keduster! That's right Potter fans, magic may not be real (sorry), but if Du.static ever makes it to market, get set to eliminate household dust with the flourish of a wand. Designed by Hongik University's Won Suk Lee, this 2011 Spring Spark Concept Design winner combines the functionality of a feather duster and air purifier, into a two-in-one, Hershey-kissed silhouette. The standalone unit's base-mounted induction fan sucks your room's filth into a fine particle filter, releasing fresh air out its other end, while an LED light keeps track of environmental detritus -- signaling red for "polluted" and blue as "pure enough." Impressive powers of purification aside, we have a feeling its removable electrostatic stick cleaner is going to get more cosplay (and cleaning) mileage. Head to the source now for extra shots of the device in action and while you're at, petition Dyson for its real-world equivalent.

Ask Engadget: what should visitors to the USA do for mobile internet?

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 07:24 PM PDT

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Mustafa, who'd love to visit America... if only the internet were cheaper. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"As someone who doesn't reside in the USA, I was wondering what would be the best way to get internet for my computer in the US for a couple of weeks? If it were Europe I know I'd look for some prepaid data. Is there anything similar offered by American carriers? A MiFi or a data SIM that I can tether from would work, but I'm trying to maintain a tight budget. Help!"

Truthfully, young Mustafa could probably round up an old AOL dial-up disc and at least connect from a family's house, or just camp out at a Starbucks all day and enjoy the sweet spoils of gratis WiFi. But when it comes to getting temporary mobile data in the States... well, let's just say we're keenly interested in hearing any tricks you readers may know. Xcom Global certainly rents a US modem (nice for folks with family in America that can order for them), but otherwise, we're drawing a blank. Toss your suggestions in comments below!

Babalu! Google celebrates Lucille Ball's 100th birthday doodle-style

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 06:01 PM PDT

Well, would you look at that? Two of our favorite entertainers, Lucile Ball and the World Wide Web, share a birthday. Of course, the former Mrs. Desi Arnaz would have about 80 years on the old web if she were alive today, but there's no reason the two can't get along, right? That's Google's stance anyway, as the internet giant's dedicated its latest doodle to the memory of the fiery ginger comedienne. If you love Lucy as much as we do, hit the source link, grab some popcorn and cozy up to that tiny TV to watch some of her very finest comedic performances.

[Thanks, Bedan]

Comcast's Internet Essentials offers $10 internet access to low-income families

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 05:04 PM PDT

Earlier this year, when Comcast bought up NBC Universal, the company made a promise to boost broadband access in underserved communities and, with the launch of its new Internet Essentials service, it looks poised to follow through on that commitment. Originally laid out as the Comcast Broadband Opportunity Program, the plan offers internet access for only $10 a month to families with children who qualify for free lunch programs. Taking its commitment even further, the outfit is offering a $150 voucher for the purchase of a computer, access to free digital literacy training, and a Norton Security Suite. Of course there are a couple of requirements -- one being that you have to have made good on previous Comcast bills -- but we're hoping this will help the old red, white, and blue climb a couple rungs on the broadband adoption ladder. Full details of the ambitious plan await you in the PR after the break.
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Comcast, Miami Mayor, Miami-Dade School Superintendent and Volunteer FL CEO Share Best in Class Digital Inclusion Initiatives to Help Close the Digital Divide in Miami-Dade

'Internet Essentials' to Provide Families with Children Eligible for a Free Lunch Under the National School Lunch Program with Low-Cost Internet Service, Affordable Computers and Digital Literacy Training

MIAMI, FL - August 4, 2011

Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, Miami-Dade School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Volunteer Florida CEO Wendy Spencer, Comcast Corporation Executive Vice President David L. Cohen and Comcast's Regional Senior Vice President of the Florida East Coast Region, Filemon Lopez, hosted a briefing today to discuss best-in-class broadband inclusion programs. At the event in the historic Overtown area of Miami, Cohen unveiled a new national initiative called Internet Essentials, which is being viewed as the most ambitious and comprehensive broadband adoption program in the county.

The program addresses what research has identified three primary barriers to broadband adoption:

A lack of understanding of how the Internet is relevant and useful;
The cost of a home computer, and
The cost of Internet service.

Available to low-income families living in Comcast's service areas with children who are eligible to receive a free lunch under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the goal of Internet Essentials is to help ensure more American families benefit from all the Internet has to offer.

According to Cohen, "Access to the Internet has the potential to be a great equalizer and a life-changing technology. Internet Essentials helps level the playing field for low-income families. Access to broadband in students' homes will help them connect with their teachers and their school's educational resources as well as enabling parents to do things like apply for jobs online or use the Internet to learn more about healthcare and government services available where they live."

During the briefing at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School in the Overtown area of Miami, Mayor Regalado, Superintendent Carvalho, and Volunteer Florida CEO, Spencer, joined Cohen and Lopez to introduce Internet Essentials and discuss ways to work together to help bridge the digital divide.

"Comcast's Internet Essentials is a model digital inclusion program that sets the bar for broadband adoption initiatives. It not only advances the learning process for children that do not have the Internet at home, but it is a positive influence for all of Miami," said Mayor Regalado. "The Internet Essentials program is a perfect example of how a local school system, city government and the business community can all work together to create solutions that move our entire community forward."

During the past several years, Superintendent Carvalho and the Miami-Dade County School Board have been very proactive in seeking the necessary technology tools and training for students. Most notably, the Miami-Dade County School District received a $3.5M broadband stimulus grant to advance broadband adoption among students in Miami-Dade County.

"As America increasingly becomes a digital nation, in-classroom learning is being supplemented with digital curriculums and at-home assignments," said Superintendent Carvalho. "Internet Essentials will help more low-income families benefit from the educational resources and assistance the Internet provides."

Service Details:

Internet Essentials participants will receive:

Residential Internet service for $9.95 a month + applicable taxes;
No price increases, no activation fees, or equipment rental fees;
A voucher to purchase a low-cost computer for $149.99 + tax;
Access to free digital literacy training in print, online or in person.
Additional benefits include the Norton™ Security Suite ($160 value) for comprehensive online security protection at no additional cost.

Eligibility:

A household is eligible to participate in the Internet Essentials program if it meets all of the following criteria:

Is located where Comcast offers Internet service;
Has at least one child eligible to receive a free school lunch under the NSLP;(As an example, according to the Department of Agriculture, a household of three would have to make less than $25,000 a year in income);
Has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days;
Does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment.

Comcast will sign up eligible families in the program for at least three years, through the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Any household that qualifies during this three-year period will remain eligible for Internet Essentials provided a child eligible for a free lunch remains living in the household.

"We can't lose sight that Miami is one of the poorest cities in the country, which includes many people who are working very hard every day to better the lives of their families," said Lopez. "Our new Internet Essentials initiative provides broadband services to households who have been unable to afford it. This directly gives the most economically challenged in our community a tangible chance to excel."

For general information about Internet Essentials, please visit www.internetessentials.com for English and visit www.internetbasico.com for Spanish. Educators or third-parties interested in helping to spread the word can find more information at www.internetessentials.com/partner. Parents looking to enroll in the program can call 1-855-846-8376 or, for Spanish, 1-855-765-6995.

NVIDIA's Kepler GPU still (kinda, sorta) on schedule for 2011 debut

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 03:58 PM PDT

NVIDIA roadmap
Back in September of last year NVIDIA pledged that the successor to Fermi, Kepler, would arrive in 2011. Since then, things have been rather quiet on the next-gen GPU front. In fact, rumors have started to circulate that the 28nm-based chip would be pushed back to 2012. Turns out those rumblings aren't entirely inaccurate. While the latest polygon pushing silicon will start being churned out before it's time to buy a new calendar, final products won't start shipping until next year, as a company rep told TechSpot. Kepler's descendent, Maxwell, is still expected to land sometime in either 2013 or 2014, but there's plenty of time for that timetable to slide back a bit too.

WhiteHat Security hacks into Chrome OS, exposes extension vulnerability at Black Hat

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 02:07 PM PDT

It's been a rough Black Hat conference for Google. First, FusionX used the company's homepage to pry into a host of SCADA systems, and now, a pair of experts have discovered a way to hack into Chrome OS. According to WhiteHat security researchers Matt Johansen and Kyle Osborn, one major issue is Google's vet-free app approval process, which leaves its Chrome Web Store susceptible to malicious extensions. But there are also vulnerabilities within native extensions, like ScratchPad -- a note-taking extension that stores data in Google Docs. Using a cross-site scripting injection, Johansen and Osborn were able to steal a user's contacts and cookies, which could give hackers access to other accounts, including Gmail. Big G quickly patched the hole after WhiteHat uncovered it earlier this year, but researchers told Black Hat's attendees that they've discovered similar vulnerabilities in other extensions, as well. In a statement, a Google spokesperson said, "This conversation is about the Web, not Chrome OS. Chromebooks raise security protections on computing hardware to new levels." The company went on to say that its laptops can ward off attacks better than most, thanks to "a carefully designed extensions model and the advanced security available through Chrome that many users and experts have embraced."

Skype 5.5 uses VP8 for video chats, keeps the WebM love aflame

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 01:09 PM PDT

Despite forming a coalition with a bevy of companies, Google's radical WebM video libertarianism has yet to take the world by storm -- unless you're talking El Goog's browser or YouTube. Well, Mountain View can breathe a sigh of relief, as Skype -- even after being bought by Microsoft -- has carried through with its earlier support of the open-source standard, bundling it within last week's Windows-only update. One-to-one and group video calls between version 5.5 clients now use WebM's VP8 codec, succeeding its ancestor, On2's VP7. Hey Redmond, who's speaking Esperanto now?

Sony's PlayStation Vita goes up for pre-order at Best Buy Canada

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 12:02 PM PDT

It's been a long time coming, but it's finally here -- or at least its pre-order page is. Sony's hotly anticipated PlayStation Vita has been on our minds since January, and now it's making its Canadian North American pre-order debut via Best Buy Canada. The product pages for both the WiFi-only and 3G editions list a release date of March 30th -- which lines up with previous reports that the console won't be gracing your stocking this Christmas -- but we'd take that estimate with a heaping fistful of salt. If you're itching to throw down some Canadian dollars, however, feel free to hop on over to the source to secure yours now.

[Thanks, Silverfox]

Indian $70 solar slate joins XO-3 and Sakshat in vaporware race

Posted: 06 Aug 2011 11:13 AM PDT

Indian $70 solar slate joins XO-3 and Sakshat in vaporware race
Another day, another phantom budget tablet: today's unnamed low-cost model hails from Bharat Electronics, out of India. The Bharat slate runs Android 2.2, sports solar charging for back-up power, and sings for only 3000 Rupees, or just shy of $70. No word on processor speed, RAM, or storage, but Hindu Business Line states that the Froyo pads will "allow data to be stored and uploaded in real time to a central server," suggesting a cloud-based storage system. Availability? None for now, this slate is being sold exclusively to India's Ministry of Rural Development for use in a poverty survey. Bharat's Chairman and Managing Director, Ashwani Datt, stated they would have to configure a new version of the slate if they were to offer it to students or consumers. We'll let you know what we think just as soon as we get our hands on the XO-3 and that other tablet from India. You know, for vaporous comparison.
at 11:56 AM

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