tech
Quantum Artificial Intelligence
It was announced earlier today that Google and NASA have formed a joint lab called “Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab” to research machine learning applications of quantum computers provided by D-Wave. From the press release:
Researchers at Google, NASA and USRA expect to use the D-Wave system to develop applications for a broad range of complex problems such as machine learning, web search, speech recognition, planning and scheduling, search for exoplanets, and support operations in mission control centers.
Although Lockheed Martin recently decided to upgrade their D-Wave system (after testing an earlier version for 2 years), there is still some skepticism from Quantum Computing experts (for example, claims that the D-Wave implementation does not provide actual speedup compared to classical computing). In any case, exciting stuff…
Batch convert .mobi ebooks to .epub using Calibre
I got a Kobo Glo eBook reader some time ago. I find it quite awesome: With numerous public libraries in Paris and this device (together with sources of free books like FeedBooks, Baen Free Library or less authoritative sources), it is hard to think I will ever buy another physical book again.
Google Maps 8-bit for NES
For April 1st, Google has released Google Maps 8-bit for NES, along with the tongue-in-cheek promotional video above.
New map styles from Stamen Design
I learnt today that Stamen Design have released new map styles for Open Street Map data. I really like the watercolor one, as it is quite different from what is usually seen on web maps.
MiniComi + International Autonomous Robot Racing Competition 2011 @ UBC
Total nerdfest at UBC yesterday: MiniComi (artist market & cosplay, similar to Japan’s Comiket) & International Autonomous Robot Racing Competition at the same location.
Acoustic Cartography of Vancouver: Urban Sound Ecology
Urban Sound Ecology is a research initiative dedicated to exploring, examining, and understanding the sonic spaces of Canadian cities. At once an archive, database, and creative remapping of the city, Urban Sound Ecology is free to join and free to use. We invite interested participants to construct lines of inquiry into the aural landscape of Canadian cities by producing sequences of geo-referenced ‘soundwalks. (more)
Seagull Drone
SmartBird is an ultralight but powerful flight model with excellent aerodynamic qualities and extreme agility. With SmartBird, Festo has succeeded in deciphering the flight of birds - one of the oldest dreams of humankind.
OGC Table Joining Service
I have recently learned about an upcoming OGC standard that looks interesting: The Table Joining Service (formerly known as the Geographic Linkage Service or GLS). It standardizes a solution to the very common problem of mapping statistical data that is geographically related but maintained outside a GIS. To do that, the service uses a key (for example, a country or zip code) common to the statistical dataset and a geographic dataset providing the geometries.