Motion-sensitive PC put to the test

The BBC's Click programme road-tests three gadgets making the news.



Source: http://newsrss.bbc.co.uk

Anger over DRM-free iTunes tracks

Apple is facing questions over user data placed in DRM-free tracks sold through iTunes.



Source: http://newsrss.bbc.co.uk

Inside a Ducted Fan UAV

Trek Areospace's

OVIWUN UAV uses twin counter-rotating ducted fans built of
lightweight materials, dual 450-watt electric motors,
a high-efficiency drive train, 14 volt rechargeable battery power
system, 3-axis gyro, a low-power PC104-based
processor, and open-source flight control software. The vehicle is
about 14" tall, weighs a tad over 6 pounds, and is capable of 40+
mph with a maximum hover ceiling of more than 3 miles. Typical battery
life is about 20 minutes. It's amazing that $15k can now buy a UAV that
would have costs millions only a decade ago.



Source: http://www.netchain.com

Anger over DRM-free iTunes tracks

Apple is facing questions over user data placed in DRM-free tracks sold through iTunes.



Source: http://newsrss.bbc.co.uk

ManyEars Microphone Array Processing Software

Dominic
Létourneau alerted us to the first software
release from the ManyEars
project. What does the software do? "The ManyEars project makes
use of an array of microphones to perform
sound source localization, tracking, and separation. It is designed to
provide auditory capabilities to mobile robots, but it can equally be
used for video conferencing or other applications. It is based on the
FlowDesigner development
environment." Microphones can make inexpensive sensors for mobile
robots. If your robot doesn't sense sound yet, this might be an
interesting way to add that capability. ManyEars is Free Software
licensed with the GNU GPL.



Source: http://www.netchain.com

Music site Last.fm bought by CBS

Online social music site Last.fm is acquired by US media giant CBS Corporation for $280m (£140m).



Source: http://newsrss.bbc.co.uk

Telescope boost to UK astronomy

A large telescope funded and led by the UK nears completion on a mountain-top in Chile's Atacama desert.



Source: http://newsrss.bbc.co.uk