Auto Grade Linux Steers Closer to an In-Car Infotainment Standard

Automotive Grade Linux on Monday announced the industry's first open in-vehicle infotainment, or IVI, software specification requirements. The release of AGL Requirements Specification 1.0 is a major milestone. It moves the auto industry toward adoption of a de facto platform that uses open source development methodologies to create a safe and reliable connected-car experience. It allows OEMs and suppliers to identify gaps between the specification and code, and to provide input directly to the developer community.

from TechNewsWorld http://ift.tt/1dMYmgE

Doppler Labs Kickstarts 'Bionic Ear'

Doppler Labs, known for making state-of-the-art ear plugs, on Tuesday launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Here Active Listening system, which takes noise-canceling technology to a new level. Unlike typical noise-canceling headphones, Here's Bluetooth earbuds allow a listener to customize ambient sound, not just block it out. Paired with a smartphone app, Here can be used to control the volume of sounds around a listener, mix those sounds with slider controls, and even apply sound effects to them.

from TechNewsWorld http://ift.tt/1AOkuRK

Scrappy Hound Stalks Siri and Cortana

SoundHound on Tuesday launched a private beta of Hound -- a personal assistant similar to Siri, Google Now and Cortana -- and began fielding requests for invites. SoundHound built its music ID service on voice and pattern recognition technologies. In developing Hound, SoundHound has retrofitted that technology's framework with what it calls its "Speech-to-Meaning" engine. The Speech-to-Meaning engine empowers Hound to understand complex requests from users much better than rival software, according to SoundHound.

from TechNewsWorld http://ift.tt/1FqZyw3

Feds' Photobucket Strategy Could Hobble White Hats

There's a new twist in the way feds are seeking to penalize bad actors for making and distributing software used in crimes, suggest recent arrests. "There's a more concerted campaign to go after go after those folks who are distributing in the underground," said Tom Kellermann, chief cybersecurity officer at Trend Micro. "People who are distributing capabilities have become a point of focus." The case in question involves two men charged with creating an app to steal credentials and content from online photo and video community Photobucket.

from TechNewsWorld http://ift.tt/1Q4gOlX

Senate Ready to Rumble Over Freedom Act Amendments

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to close debate on the USA Freedom Act, a measure that would prohibit the NSA from the indiscriminate collection Americans' phone call data. The bill already has passed in the House. However, the brawling over the bill is not quite over. The Senate has yet to address several proposed amendments to the legislation before voting on it later on Tuesday. Action on the proposal is viewed as urgent, because several provisions in the Patriot Act expired Monday.

from TechNewsWorld http://ift.tt/1dJurpL

Microsoft Starts Taking Windows 10 Reservations

Microsoft on Monday confirmed that Windows 10 will be released July 29 as a free upgrade for PCs and tablets running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, and on new Windows 10 devices. The OS will be available for other devices later this year. Consumers can reserve free upgrades now. Windows 10 includes the Start menu, which was brought back in Win 8.1 after its exclusion from Win 8 outraged many users. It features Microsoft's Cortana personal digital assistant.

from TechNewsWorld http://ift.tt/1FmXvsF

Google's Cardboard May Help Build Strong VR Foundation

During its annual developers conference held last week, Google I/O, the company revealed its latest effort to drive development of Cardboard VR apps and spur the growth of VR content across YouTube. Google has released blueprints for VR headsets made of cardboard and encouraged third parties to bring their best designs to market. Several are available for purchase with a "Works with Google Cardboard" badge, meaning they're compatible with Cardboard apps. Users with some arts-and-crafts chops can create their own.

from TechNewsWorld http://ift.tt/1AGdeI0