Okay, so we’re not up to USS Pegasus levels yet, but for the first time researchers have been able to cloak a three dimensional object. Don’t start planning your first trip to the Hogwarts library restricted section just yet though, the breakthrough is only in the microwave region of the EM spectrum. Using a shell of plasmonic materials, it’s possible to create a “photo negative” of the object being cloaked in order to make it disappear. The technique is different to the use of metamaterials, which try to bounce light around the object. Instead, plasmonics try to deceive the light as to what’s actually there at the time — but because it has to be tailored to create a “negative image” of the object you’re hiding, it’s not as flexible, but it could be an important step on the road to that bank heist we’ve been planning.
Plasmonic cloak makes objects invisble, but only in the microwave region of the spectrum originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Spanish government has passed legislation aimed at cracking down on websites illegally sharing digital content. Called the Sinde Law, it will create a new government commission that Spanish right holders can engage when they feel that a site is illegally distributing their content. After an alleged infraction, the commission examines the complaint and determines if, under the new statute, legal action is necessary. Should a site be found in violation, the case is passed to a judge and the decision is made either to shutter the offending website, take action against the site’s service provider or dismiss the complaint altogether. The
BBC reports that the entire process, from first report to final decision, should take no more than ten days. Open internet activists have voiced concerns about the breadth and implications of the law. United States residents will recognize many of the arguments for and against the Sinde Law in light of the SOPA Act (Stop Online Piracy Act) debate that’s been raging here in the United States for several months.
Sinde Law brings SOPA-like restrictions to Spain originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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While US viewers continue to wait for the expat-edition Global BBC iPlayer app, BBC Worldwide has announced a new version launching December 8th specifically for iPhones and iPod Touches. Like its big brother app for the iPad, this free download lets subscribers stream or download shows for offline viewing, as well as stream video to the Apple TV via AirPlay. Whole new categories of programming are coming online soon including music, arts and culture, and radio, and now it can all fit in one’s pocket. Check the gallery for a couple more screenshots, or after the break for a press release with all the applicable pricing and regional information that’s available.
Continue reading Global BBC iPlayer app gets squeezed down to iPhone / iPod Touch size
Global BBC iPlayer app gets squeezed down to iPhone / iPod Touch size originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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British expats and international fans of BBC television alike can now stream some Gavin & Stacey to their televisions (past season 1 anyway, which is on Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video), as long as they’re properly equipped. The global iPlayer app for iPad has been updated with AirPlay streaming (those in the UK however, have no such luck so far) so once users update to iOS 5 and buy an Apple TV box, they’re in business. Of course, this would all be much simpler if iPlayer were just available on the Apple TV itself (without XBMC or other hacks), but no one asked us, did they?
BBC’s global iPlayer app adds AirPlay streaming, should just be on Apple TV originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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BBC’s Top Gear (it’s like The Engadget Show, but for cars) did not libel Tesla Motors when it reviewed the Tesla Roadster way back in 2008. Jeremy Clarkson’s review showed the super-EV conking out after 55 miles of driving (a quarter of its expected range), suffering brake failures and an engine overheat that Elon Musk’s company flatly denies ever happening. In the High Court, however, Mr Justice Tugendhat said that people could tell the difference between Clarkson’s torturous, heavy-footed “powerrrrrrrrr” driving that goes on at Dunsfold Aerodrome, and the staid manner in which people drive on motorways. Tesla still maintains that the review has damaged its image, which is why it’s also pursuing a claim for malicious falsehood, yet to be decided — and on that bombshell, here’s the original, legally non-libelous review for your enjoyment… goodnight!
Continue reading English Court: Top Gear didn’t libel Tesla
English Court: Top Gear didn’t libel Tesla originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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