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New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/machine-learning-boosts-swiss-startups-shot-at-human-powered-land-speed-record/

Machine learning boosts Swiss startup’s shot at human-powered land speed record

The current world speed record for riding a bike down a straight, flat road was set in 2012 by a Dutch team, but the Swiss have a plan to topple their rivals — with a little help from machine learning. An algorithm trained on aerodynamics could streamline their bike, perhaps cutting air resistance by enough to set a new record.

Currently the record is held by Sebastiaan Bowier, who in 2012 set a record of 133.78 km/h, or just over 83 mph. It’s hard to imagine how his bike, which looked more like a tiny landbound rocket than any kind of bicycle, could be significantly improved on.

But every little bit counts when records are measured down a hundredth of a unit, and anyway, who knows but that some strange new shape might totally change the game?

To pursue this, researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne’s Computer Vision Laboratory developed a machine learning algorithm that, trained on 3D shapes and their aerodynamic qualities, “learns to develop an intuition about the laws of physics,” as the university’s Pierre Baqué.

“The standard machine learning algorithms we use to work with in our lab take images as input,” he explained in an EPFL video. “An image is a very well-structured signal that is very easy to handle by a machine-learning algorithm. However, for engineers working in this domain, they use what we call a mesh. A mesh is a very large graph with a lot of nodes that is not very convenient to handle.”

Nevertheless, the team managed to design a convolutional neural network that can sort through countless shapes and automatically determine which should (in theory) provide the very best aerodynamic profile.

“Our program results in designs that are sometimes 5–20% more aerodynamic than conventional methods,” Pierre Baqué said. “But even more importantly, it can be used in certain situations that conventional methods can’t. The shapes used in training the program can be very different from the standard shapes for a given object. That gives it a great deal of flexibility.”

That means that the algorithm isn’t just limited to slight variations on established designs, but it also flexible enough to take on other fluid dynamics problems like wing shapes, windmill blades, or cars.

The tech has been spun out into a separate company, Neural Concept, of which Baqué is the CEO. It was presented today at the International Conference on Machine Learning in Stockholm.

A team from the Annecy University Institute of Technology will attempt to apply the computer-honed model in person at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge in Nevada this September — after all, no matter how much computer assistance there is, as the name says, it’s still powered by a human.

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/machine-learning-boosts-swiss-startups-shot-at-human-powered-land-speed-record/

Machine learning boosts Swiss startup’s shot at human-powered land speed record

The current world speed record for riding a bike down a straight, flat road was set in 2012 by a Dutch team, but the Swiss have a plan to topple their rivals — with a little help from machine learning. An algorithm trained on aerodynamics could streamline their bike, perhaps cutting air resistance by enough to set a new record.

Currently the record is held by Sebastiaan Bowier, who in 2012 set a record of 133.78 km/h, or just over 83 mph. It’s hard to imagine how his bike, which looked more like a tiny landbound rocket than any kind of bicycle, could be significantly improved on.

But every little bit counts when records are measured down a hundredth of a unit, and anyway, who knows but that some strange new shape might totally change the game?

To pursue this, researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne’s Computer Vision Laboratory developed a machine learning algorithm that, trained on 3D shapes and their aerodynamic qualities, “learns to develop an intuition about the laws of physics,” as the university’s Pierre Baqué.

“The standard machine learning algorithms we use to work with in our lab take images as input,” he explained in an EPFL video. “An image is a very well-structured signal that is very easy to handle by a machine-learning algorithm. However, for engineers working in this domain, they use what we call a mesh. A mesh is a very large graph with a lot of nodes that is not very convenient to handle.”

Nevertheless, the team managed to design a convolutional neural network that can sort through countless shapes and automatically determine which should (in theory) provide the very best aerodynamic profile.

“Our program results in designs that are sometimes 5–20% more aerodynamic than conventional methods,” Pierre Baqué said. “But even more importantly, it can be used in certain situations that conventional methods can’t. The shapes used in training the program can be very different from the standard shapes for a given object. That gives it a great deal of flexibility.”

That means that the algorithm isn’t just limited to slight variations on established designs, but it also flexible enough to take on other fluid dynamics problems like wing shapes, windmill blades, or cars.

The tech has been spun out into a separate company, Neural Concept, of which Baqué is the CEO. It was presented today at the International Conference on Machine Learning in Stockholm.

A team from the Annecy University Institute of Technology will attempt to apply the computer-honed model in person at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge in Nevada this September — after all, no matter how much computer assistance there is, as the name says, it’s still powered by a human.

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/octi-raises-7-5m-to-create-augmented-reality-that-understands-human-movement-2/

Octi raises $7.5M to create augmented reality that understands human movement

The team at Octi says it’s building a crucial piece of the augmented reality puzzle — the ability to understand the human body and its movement.

Co-founder and CEO Justin Fuisz told me that most existing AR technologies (including Apple’s ARKit) tend to be “plane-based” — in other words, while they can make something cool appear against a real-world background, it’s usually on a flat surface, like a table or the floor.

Octi, on the other hand, recognizes where people are in-camera, and it can use that understanding to apply a variety of different effects.

For example, Fuisz and his team showed me how they could dance around their office while bright, squiggly lines overlaid their bodies — and then they erased their bodies entirely. They also showed me how effects could be tied to different gestures, like how a “make it rain” motion could result in dollar bills flying out of their hands.

To do this, Octi says it’s built sophisticated machine learning and computer vision technology. For starters, it looks at a human being and detects key points, like eyes, nose, hips and elbows, then uses those points to construct a model of a skeleton.

Fuisz suggested that the technology could be applied to a number of different industries, including fashion, fitness, entertainment and gaming. In fact, the company is announcing a partnership and strategic investment from the OneTeam Collective, the accelerator of the NFL Players Association. As a result, Octi plans to create and distribute avatars of more than 2,000 NFL players.

In addition, Octi is announcing that it has raised $7.5 million in seed funding from Shasta Ventures, I2BF Ventures, Bold Capital Partners, Day One Ventures, Human Ventures Live Nation and AB InBev, plus individuals, including former Pandora and Snap executive Tom Conrad, WeWork Chief Product Officer of Technology Shiva Rajaraman, Adobe Chief Product Officer Scott Belsky, A&D Networks Chairman Abbe Raven and Joshua Kushner.

If you want to try this out for yourself, the startup has its own iOS app — Fuisz described the app as a technology showcase for potential partners, but he added, “The app is available to the public and is totally awesome.”

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/octi-raises-7-5m-to-create-augmented-reality-that-understands-human-movement/

Octi raises $7.5M to create augmented reality that understands human movement

The team at Octi says it’s building a crucial piece of the augmented reality puzzle — the ability to understand the human body and its movement.

Co-founder and CEO Justin Fuisz told me that most existing AR technologies (including Apple’s ARKit) tend to be “plane-based” — in other words, while they can make something cool appear against a real-world background, it’s usually on a flat surface, like a table or the floor.

Octi, on the other hand, recognizes where people are in-camera, and it can use that understanding to apply a variety of different effects.

For example, Fuisz and his team showed me how they could dance around their office while bright, squiggly lines overlaid their bodies — and then they erased their bodies entirely. They also showed me how effects could be tied to different gestures, like how a “make it rain” motion could result in dollar bills flying out of their hands.

To do this, Octi says it’s built sophisticated machine learning and computer vision technology. For starters, it looks at a human being and detects key points, like eyes, nose, hips and elbows, then uses those points to construct a model of a skeleton.

Fuisz suggested that the technology could be applied to a number of different industries, including fashion, fitness, entertainment and gaming. In fact, the company is announcing a partnership and strategic investment from the OneTeam Collective, the accelerator of the NFL Players Association. As a result, Octi plans to create and distribute avatars of more than 2,000 NFL players.

In addition, Octi is announcing that it has raised $7.5 million in seed funding from Shasta Ventures, I2BF Ventures, Bold Capital Partners, Day One Ventures, Human Ventures Live Nation and AB InBev, plus individuals, including former Pandora and Snap executive Tom Conrad, WeWork Chief Product Officer of Technology Shiva Rajaraman, Adobe Chief Product Officer Scott Belsky, A&D Networks Chairman Abbe Raven and Joshua Kushner.

If you want to try this out for yourself, the startup has its own iOS app — Fuisz described the app as a technology showcase for potential partners, but he added, “The app is available to the public and is totally awesome.”

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/facebooks-latest-diversity-report-is-as-underwhelming-as-ever/

Facebook's latest diversity report is as underwhelming as ever

Surprise, surprise: Facebook is still overwhelmingly white and male.

That's the bottom line of Facebook's fifth annual diversity report, which was released Thursday. And while the company may still have a race and gender issue, the report does show slight increases in the number of employees who are women and people of color.

SEE ALSO: Making tech truly diverse calls for new tactics and renewed commitment

Globally, the number of women employees grew from 35 percent to 36 percent and the number of women in senior leadership positions rose from 28 percent to 30 percent. The number of black employees grew only slightly from 3 percent in 2017 to 4 percent, and the number of Hispanic remained unchanged at 5 percent. Facebook employees are still overwhelmingly white (46.6 percent globally) and Asian (41.4 percent globally). Read more…

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/shocking-no-one-study-finds-almost-80-percent-of-icos-are-scams/

Shocking no one, study finds almost 80 percent of ICOs are scams

Initial coin offerings are the way of the future, and oh boy is that future shady.

A new study found that the favorite fundraising mechanism of the blockchain universe is often employed by those trying to fleece the world, not improve it. And, well, no one should be too shocked — it's not like ICOs are exactly the picture of above board.

SEE ALSO: How to make sure you don't get swindled in an ICO

For the blissfully unaware, ICOs provide companies with a poorly regulated way to raise large sums of money. Unlike the more traditional IPO, an ICO lets those in the cryptocurrency space sell tokens or so-called coins that will — in theory — be worth something at a future date. The reality often isn't so pretty. Read more…

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/build-a-bears-pay-your-age-day-was-an-absolute-disaster/

Build-A-Bear's 'Pay Your Age' day was an absolute disaster

Build-A-Bear Workshop is a childhood staple, but according to some angry parents, it's just going to remind their children of a horrible day at the mall.

The toyshop ran a one-day promotion on Thursday, promising customers that they could pay their age for any stuffed animal. (Bears typically cost anywhere from $14 to upwards of $60.)

Except, the fun summer activity did not go as planned.

The rumors are true! 🎉 July 12 is the first-ever Pay Your Age Day at Build-A-Bear Workshop! For one day only, you can pay your age for ANY, we repeat, ANY furry friend at the Workshop*! Full Details US/CAN: https://t.co/NumcznV7vt UK: https://t.co/hHhpIi9F6s pic.twitter.com/UWXyMDm4x6

— Build-A-Bear Workshop (@buildabear) July 9, 2018 Read more…

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New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/marvels-black-widow-gets-one-step-closer-to-reality-with-a-new-director/

Marvel's 'Black Widow' gets one step closer to reality with a new director

Marvel's Black Widow just got one step closer to emerging from perpetual pre-production purgatory.

The studio has reportedly set Cate Shortland, the Australian filmmaker known for dramas like Somersault, Lore, and Berlin Syndrome, to direct the standalone superhero adventure.

SEE ALSO: 'Captain Marvel' hires 'Fortnite' composer Pinar Toprak, the first woman to score a Marvel film

Shortland beat out around seventy other candidates in the grueling search for the perfect director. She'll be the second female director behind a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie – joining Anna Boden, who's directing Captain Marvel with Ryan Fleck. Read more…

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/microsoft-windows-notepad-app-gets-first-update-in-years/

Microsoft Windows Notepad app gets first update in years

There's good news for people who still use Windows Notepad: For the first time in years, big changes are coming to the app — and some of those changes are all thanks to you.

Windows announced yesterday that the next Windows 10 update will include some quality of life improvements for its iconically clunky app. Microsoft wrote in the announcement that it employed user feedback to determine its new features, which include the ability to delete a whole word by hitting Ctrl + Backspace.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft's $399 Surface Go is here to nuke Apple's iPad

This update, which is right on the heels of Microsoft Office's revamp last month, will come with Redstone 5 (the codename for Microsoft's impending update) predicted to launch later this year. If it goes smoothly, the update would be a positive move for the tech giant after a spate of — shall we say — less-than-smooth rollouts these past few months. Read more…

More about Microsoft, Notepad, Update, Tech, and Big Tech Companies

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/amazon-just-leaked-an-early-prime-day-deal-and-its-perfect-for-fitness-junkies/

Amazon Just Leaked an Early Prime Day Deal—and It’s Perfect for Fitness Junkies

We firmly believe one can never have enough workout apparel. Still, it can be a real struggle to find affordable and stylish activewear that checks all our boxes: comfortable, functional, and technical. So, we were excited to learn that Amazon is going to be dropping a few Prime Day deals early this year. In addition to up to 30% off intimates on July 13, the retailer is offering up to 40% off select activewear (including their exclusive Core 10 brand, which we love) on July 15. The Core 10 collection includes classic staples like your tried-and-true black capri, as well as edgier sports bras and leggings that are still supportive for your toughest workouts. While Prime Day doesn't *officially start until July 16*, you can shop these deals a day early. Here, our top picks—from bras and tops to leggings—that you won't want to miss.

Best Prime Day sports bra deals

• Core 10 Icon Series Ballerina Sports Bra: This crossover bra has a compression fit to minimize bounce and keep everything in its place, making it ideal for yoga, barre, and dance classes.

• Core 10 Icon Series Rebel Sports Bra: A modern, sexy update to the classic sports bra that has us adding this moisture-wicking racerback in every color to our shopping cart.

• Core 10 Icon Series Supernova Star Reflective Sports Bra: This star-printed bra is not only on trend, but the reflective technology also makes it a great choice for nighttime runs.

• Core 10 Lattice Yoga Sports Bra: Crop tops aren't going anywhere, and we're digging this supportive bra with feminine crisscross detailing at the back.

Best Prime Day legging deals

• Core 10 Tri-Color Yoga Full-Length Legging: This fashion-forward, color-blocked legging is buttery soft, but will still hold up in your HIIT sessions.

• Core 10 Onstride High Waist Run 7/8 Crop Legging: A classic black capri never goes out of style, and this one has side panel pockets for stashing your stuff.

• 7 Goals High Waist Legging: These high-waist leggings have mesh insets for added breathability. We are especially loving them in the lipstick red hue.

• Core 10 Jogger Sweatpant: Because they're so lightweight, you can wear these effortless gym-to-street joggers year round.

Best Prime Day top and jacket deals

• Core 10 'Lighter Than Air' Performance Racerback Tank: This airy tank wicks away moisture and keeps you dry through even the sweatiest circuits.

• Core 10 'Lighter Than Air' Performance Open Back T-Shirt: A flirty back cutout makes this seemingly average tee a stylish option for workouts (or just running errands).

• Core 10 Be Warm Thermal Fitted Run Hoodie: The ultimate lightweight thermal, this hoodie is perfect for all-season running; just pull it on and go.

New Post has been published on http://viralstation.org/pakistan-braced-for-odi-challenge-against-zimbabwe/

Pakistan Braced for ODI Challenge Against Zimbabwe