USC Institute for Creative Technologies gets new building to amp up its military VR work
November 12, 2010 No Comment
University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies has just moved into 72,000-square feet of shiny new facilities in Playa Vista, California — on the same grounds which once served as the headquarters for Howard Hughes’ aircraft company. Funded by the US Army to develop virtual reality technology, the ICT’s work is now found on 65 military sites across the country. Before your brain starts wandering towards thoughts of Call of Duty on military-grade steroids though, keep in mind that much of the institute’s innovations revolve around simulating surrogate interactions with so-called “virtual humans”. For example, thanks to advanced AI language programming, soldier patients projected on life size semi-transparent screens help teach doctors about treating combat trauma, while virtual Army personnel characters such as Sergeant Star can interact naturally with soldiers in leadership training exercises. Still, that shouldn’t imply ITC doesn’t dabble in good ole’ fashion combat simulation work. In fact, it’s currently running a training exercise on three military bases designed to prepare soldiers for an insurgent ambush within a highly-realistic virtual town reconstructed from satellite imagery. No, it may not sound as wild as robotic exoskeletons , flying Humvees or ultrasound-based mind control , but it does make your life on The Sims seem totally fake. To judge for yourself, check out the video overview on the next page. Continue reading USC Institute for Creative Technologies gets new building to amp up its military VR work USC Institute for Creative Technologies gets new building to amp up its military VR work originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Thousands of people gathered in the Mexico City for a light and sound show to kick-off the celebrations commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. The 90-minute show will be presented every night until Nov. 23rd. (Nov. 12)
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Sorry, Apple mobile device users, your first little pre-holidays gift has been delayed. Apple has reportedly canceled today’s expected iOS 4.2 release, the controversial one that might or might not be lacking AirPrint . We’d hoped to solve that particular mystery before the weekend, but it seems we’ll have to wait a little longer thanks to a serious looking connectivity bug plaguing the iPad. Many users of the Golden Master version of 4.2 reported that a WiFi connection could be established by their devices but, once made, they were unable to actually do anything on the ‘net, and not being able to do anything on the ‘net is what we like to call a Very Bad Thing. No word on exactly when a new version will be available, but it should still drop within the next few weeks. iOS 4.2 reportedly delayed, iPad WiFi issues to blame originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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By Mark Heisler The nation is dividing into ever-more-irreconcilable niches—like fans of competing teams, rather than members of a greater whole with shared purpose. Related Entries November 12, 2010 Ass November 11, 2010 Rank-and-File Frustration
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By Mr. Fish Related Entries November 12, 2010 Ass November 11, 2010 Rank-and-File Frustration
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By Mr. Fish Related Entries November 12, 2010 Ass November 11, 2010 Rank-and-File Frustration
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President Barack Obama is urging Iraqi leaders involved in a fragile power-sharing deal to aim for an “inclusive government” for the country. President Obama made the comments while at the G20 Summit in Seoul. (Nov. 12)
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Want the cheapest way to try out Windows Phone 7? Outside of getting yourself hooked up with a job at a tech blog, Amazon might have the very finest option for you with its newly discounted $0.01 pricing on two AT&T handsets for the new platform. The HTC Surround and its slide-out speaker are available immediately whereas the LG Quantum , which slides to reveal a more conventional QWERTY keypad, is on back-order. Fear not, though, both will cost you a mere cent when obtained in conjunction with a new AT&T line and a two-year bond with the carrier. We might still prefer their European counterparts, but you can’t deny these phones look to be priced just about right for what they are. Shame that this pricing will only last through the weekend. HTC Surround and LG Quantum available for $0.01 at Amazon this weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 06:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink
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Photo: acritica Climate change is having an impact on many countries in different ways. In the Maldives the sea is threatening to overcome the islands and in Brazil the Amazon River is drying up . Last month it fell to its lowest level in one hundred years and revealed etchings from the Stone Age that had been submerged for 3,000 to 7,000 years. … Read the full story on TreeHugger
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Investigators are examining new evidence in the case of a missing North Carolina girl. Experts are trying to determine if remains found near a creek are of 10-year-old Zahra Baker, who disappeared last month. (Nov. 12)
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