tech spotlight

A DARPA project shows how the wisdom of crowds can be tapped for a fresh take on how to manufacture something as complex as a combat vehicle.

Data smuggling software could help citizens in countries operating strict net filters visit any site they want. Developed by US computer scientists the software, called Telex, hides data from banned websites inside traffic from sites deemed safe. The software draws on well-known encryption techniques to conceal data making it hard to decipher. So far, Telex is only a prototype but in tests it has been able to defeat Chinese web filters.

Because it could provide an ideal way to sell digital content and Amazon is in a better position than anyone to take on Apple.

Oh Orange UK customers, you lucky dogs, your carrier is giving you a bit of a break as we enter globe-trotting season. No longer are you chained to absurd per-MB roaming charges or unecessary monthly plans. Instead, you can shell out £3-a-day (about $5) for 30MB of data — which is plenty for checking e-mail and doing some light browsing. If you don’t use any data then you don’t get charged (sweet!), but go over that limit and you’re back to the normal £3.07-per-MB rate (not so sweet). It’s a perfect option for the traveler who only spends a week or two abroad at a time, and it closes the gap with fellow UK provider Vodafone, which offers a £2-per-day, 25MB option. Now, if only others (especially our friendshere in the US) would offer sensible roaming plans of their own.

Research finds people are adapting ability to remember because of power of search engines to remember for them

nice piece on recent events from Mashable…nothing new, but a good angle.