HP computers are racist

The face tracking feature of the HP web cam will not recognize or track black faces.

via YouTube – HP computers are racist.

This is pretty funny – you’d have to wonder how they’d code such software that only worked on white (that is, not-black) faces. You’d think that face detection software would work on blacks and whites, but apparently not.

UPDATE: HP responded. Here’s how to create software that is racist:

We are working with our partners to learn more. The technology we use is built on standard algorithms that measure the difference in intensity of contrast between the eyes and the upper cheek and nose. We believe that the camera might have difficulty “seeing” contrast in conditions where there is insufficient foreground lighting.

“Mario’s Closet” by Glen Brogan.

Mario

I wanted to include as many of his power-ups as possible, but the main rule I had to follow was that I couldn’t include things that actually transform Mario himself rather that just changing his wardrobe, like the Boo mushroom from Mario Galaxy that turns him into a ghost. So I’ve mentally prepared myself for the barrage of ‘OMG WHY DIDNT U INCLUDE THIS 1 ON THERE U R DUM.

via “Mario’s Closet” by Glen Brogan. I hope he picks… – Tiny Cartridge – Nintendo DS & DSi News, Media, Videos, Imports, Homebrew, & Retro Junk.

Modern Warfare 2: It’s not that’s it’s a bad game, per se…

…it’s just not a fantastic one, either.

If you’ll ignore the whole multiplayer controversy, the whole “Infinity Ward screwed us”, “Steam prevents resale”, “the game isn’t balanced for your grandmother”, “there’s no customisation” and many other issues besides, the game isn’t half bad. (I may or may not be kidding about that second to last one. We’ll see.)

I had to think long and hard about the purchase of this one. After reading multiple reviews online, their stories of the horror of multiplayer were shocking. I eventually caved after EB Games held a Monday Madness sale where they sold MW2 for $73, with free shipping. Rather than buy it from Steamerica (as opposed to Steamstralia who are selling it at the rip-off price of US $89) for US $69 and then having to download roughly 12-15GB of content, I took the plunge. It’s only money, right?

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A totally subjective review of the Audioengine 2’s.

Wow.

Just, wow.

There’s not a whole lot I can say about these – they’re nothing short of amazing, if not spectacular.

About a month ago my parents decided to re-take their ancient hi-fi system. As old as it was, the sound that came out of those Sony bookshelf speakers was something else – I’m no audiophile, but it sounded pretty darn good – well balanced, with plenty of mids. There really wasn’t anything wrong with them that I could fault.

And so stepped in my faithful Apple Pro speakers. In a former life these would have been sitting next to a Mac Cube, because as far as I know they’re the only Mac that came with the USB version of the Pro speakers. Sound quality, as you can expect, wasn’t particularly great with this set – apart from lacking volume, they also seemed a bit muddy, due in part to the lack of a dedicated tweeter, I’m sure.

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DARPA’s Iron Curtain Active Protection System

Edited DARPA video showing 2008 tests of the Artis-developed Iron Curtain anti-RPG active protection system for light tactical vehicles – here an HMMWV. DARPA in November 2009 awarded Mustang Technologies a contract to integrate Iron Curtain with its Crosshairs counter-shooter system for tests on an MRAP. Cued by the corner-mounted Crosshairs' radar, an optical sensor classifies the incoming threat and selects the aimpoint. When the RPG is just inches from the vehicle, the roof-mounted countermeasure fires straight down, deflagrating the warhead before it can detonate.

via YouTube – DARPA’s Iron Curtain Active Protection System.