Google Maps to Get New Offline Search, Turn-by-Turn Navigation Features

Google, besides announcing a slew of OS updates and features alongside Android Mat the Google I/O 2015 keynote event, also said it would soon be bringing offline search to its Google Maps app. The app will also feature complete voice-based turn-by-turn navigation while in offline mode. Both features will be made available sometime later this year.

The new offline features announced for Google Maps are aimed mainly for "emerging markets" where mobile Internet coverage is spotty, and data charges expensive, as navigation via GPS is independent of mobile networks. In the past, Google had introduced offline rerouting during navigation, which would reroute users even if they lose their Internet connection while navigating. Now, the entire process of navigation can be done when offline. The offline features are also useful for those users who are travelling to less-connected spots. The features will also come handy for those who are searching for directions when travelling in underground metros or via flight.

The offline search feature would enable users to search for places and points of interest, with results including autocomplete suggestions as well as reviews, contact numbers, opening hours and other information. The Google I/O 2015 keynote event saw the feature being demoed on a handset on Airplane mode and it seemed to work seamlessly.

Google launched its offline maps feature in 2012. The feature at that time allowed users to avail offline functionality in over 150 countries and save up to six large metro areas. The search giant last week rolled out native Maps app for Android Wear devices, alongside translucent status bar and other features.

Finally, Google at I/O 2015 also announced updates for its Google Places API for iOS, bringing it on par with Android with such new features as adding a place picker, current device location, detailed place information, search autocomplete, the ability to add places to Google's Places database, and more.

SOURCE: NDTV GADGET GURU

Antarctica region once thought stable suddenly 'thawing fast'

A group of scientists have observed a sudden increase of ice loss in a previously stable region of Antarctica.

A group of scientists have observed a sudden increase of ice loss in a previously stable region of Antarctica.

Using measurements of the elevation of the Antarctic ice sheet made by a suite of satellites, the team from the University of Bristol, UK found that the Southern Antarctic Peninsula showed no signs of change up to 2009. Around 2009, multiple glaciers along a vast coastal expanse, measuring some 750km in length, suddenly started to shed ice into the ocean at a nearly constant rate of 60 cubic km, or about 55 trillion litres of water, each year.

This makes the region the second largest contributor to sea level rise in Antarctica and the ice loss shows no sign of waning.

Team leader Bert Wouters said that to date, the glaciers added roughly 300 cubic km of water to the ocean, which is the equivalent of the volume of nearly 350,000 Empire State Buildings combined. By analysing roughly 5 years of the data, the researchers found that the ice surface of some of the glaciers is currently going down by as much as 4m each year.

The ice loss in the region is so large that it causes small changes in the gravity field of the Earth, which can be detected by another satellite mission, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE).

SOURCE: DNA INDIA

Gaana.com hacked, details of over 10 million users exposed

Later, Satyan Gajwani, the CEO of Times Internet, which runs Gaana.com, offered a business deal to the hacker for fixing loopholes in the IT system of company.

A hacker claiming to be from Pakistan hacked the website of music streaming services Gaana.com and posted details of its over 10 million users on his Facebook page.

Later, Satyan , the CEO of Times Internet, which runs Gaana.com, offered a business deal to the hacker for fixing loopholes in the IT system of company. The hacker, whose name was given as Mak Man and mentioned that he lives in Lahore, Pakistan, said: "I here by confirm that no financial information was accessed during the hack of Gaana.com.... Database was so huge that I didn't even bother looking ... and no information was dumped and stored locally ... not even a single row."

He said that the hack was "just a POC (proof of concept) to highlight the issue which was grabbing the details directly from their DBMS (Database management systems) and I repeat again information was not stored locally." In his reply on the hacker's Facebook page, Gajwani said: "First of all, I'd like to apologize personally if you had shared these reports and we didn't respond earlier.

Totally unacceptable by us, and I'm looking into it." A Times Internet spokesperson confirmed Gajwani's comment. However, there was no reply to email queries in this regard. Gajwani in his reply on hacker's Facebook page further said that he thought that the intention of the hacker was not to expose personal information about Gaana users but to highlight the vulnerability and offered a deal to the hacker.

"And finally, if possible, I'd appreciate if we could hire you as a consultant to help us find any more vulnerabilities across our network, so that we can keep our products as secure as possible. If you're interested, message me directly, as I'd be very grateful for your advice," Gajwani said. In the evening, Gaana.com displayed 'Site is down due to server maintenance.'

SOURCE: DNA INDIA 

Salman's hit-and-run case papers with Govt lost in fire: RTI

No information on Salman Khan's 2002 hit-and-run case as the files pertaining to it were burnt in a fire at Mantralaya on June 21, 2012.

The Maharashtra government does not have any "information" on Bollywood actor Salman Khan's 2002 hit-and-run case as the files pertaining to it were gutted in a fire at Mantralaya, an RTI query has revealed.

This was disclosed to Mansoor Darvesh, a city-based RTI activist, who had sought to know from the state Law and Judiciary department the names and the total number of counsels, solicitors, advocates and legal advisors, public prosecutors appointed by the state government for this case.

Darvesh was informed that the files pertaining to the case were burnt on June 21, 2012, when a fire engulfed the state Secretariat and therefore, they cannot be made available.

To his query on total expenses incurred by the state government in the case from 2002 to May 6 this year, when the judgement was pronounced in the case, Darvesh was told that "the only thing that the government knows is about the appointment of Special public Prosecutor Pradeep Gharat who was appointed at a fee of Rs 6,000 per hearing." "The government had promised to the people that all files that destroyed in the fire will be reconstructed.

On May 6, a sessions court here had convicted Salman Khan for culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the 2002 hit-and-run case and sentenced him to five years' imprisonment.

The Bombay High Court had on May 8 granted the actor bail and suspended his sentence pending hearing and final disposal of his appeal against conviction. A man was killed and four others were wounded when Khan's Toyota Land Cruiser ran over them while they were asleep on a pavement outside a bakery in suburban Bandra on September 28, 2002.

Source: DNA INDIA :)

Top 5 Indie Games You Should Play Right Now

There's more to video games than Grand Theft Auto V, FIFA, and Call of Duty. In fact, there's a slew of hidden gems that might fly under the radar, dwarfed by marketing budgets that well known franchises and big game publishers possess. But these indie games often showcase new and innovative gameplay, or a completely unique style that you will rarely see from the big names either. Here are our picks of the current indie games worth checking out.

1. Dex

The cyberpunk genre has seen its fair share of games, ranging from Deus Ex: Human Revolution to Shadowrun. Dex is another game that throws its hat into the ring. It is a slick 2D action adventure with a heady atmosphere, complete with a smart female protagonist, and many well written characters.

There's enough freedom in the gameplay to allow you to handle any obstacle thrown at you with force or by sweet talking your way out of trouble. Dex is highly recommended if you're looking for an alternative, retro take on gritty sci-fi. It's available on PC and Mac via Steam.

2. Chroma Squad

This game started out as a Kickstarter project and finally saw the light of day on Mac and Windows via Steam and GOG. It is soon to release on the PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Chroma Squad is a tactical role-playing game where you control a group of stunt actors, who have started their own show inspired by Japanese superhero TV shows, particularly Power Rangers.

You'll have to manage the cast, snag props, and make giant robots in order to make your show a success. The fresh premise of the game, and it's take on one of the 90s biggest TV fads, easily make it worth the price of admission.

3. Invisible Inc.

From the maker of Mark of the Ninja and Shank comes Invisible Inc. Unlike those two games, Invisible Inc. is a turn-based strategy game in the mould of XCOM. It features a Cold War inspired art style, while the gameplay places emphasis on stealth and subversion, over out and out action.

Throw in a host of well designed maps and a gorgeous user interface, and you get a game that will have you playing till the very end. It's available on PC and Mac via Steam and GOG with a PlayStation 4 version in the works

4. Not A Hero

Not A Hero has you in the role of an assassin working for an anthropomorphic bunny from the future who has designs on being a mayor. The bizarre setting, combined with amazing pixel art and over the top gameplay makes Not A Hero an absolute treat to play.

The game has you executing a seemingly infinite number of generic gangsters in style, coupled with solid, responsive controls and witty jokes. It is now available on PC via Steam and GOG with a PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita version out shortly.

5. Will Fight for Food: Super Actual Sellout: Game of the Hour

Astoundingly long name aside, this quirky game - which was developed in India - is filled to the brim with meta-humour and fantastic writing about pro-wrestling and unemployment. There's an intricate conversation system and campy music along with simple beat 'em up mechanics that makes this worth playing. It's available on PC via Steam.

Source: NDTV Gadget Show

Didn't score well in the boards? Don't be disheartened. Your mark sheet is just a piece of paper - it cannot decide your destiny. You are a lot more than your grades. Life has just begun! 

Must Watch this video..!!

Cars That Run on Air and Water? Audi Rolls Out E-Diesel

As research into clean cars expands, Audi unveils a synthetic diesel that’s made with water, air and carbon dioxide.

Cars that run on a synthetic fuel, made from water and air, represent the cutting-edge of innovation now sweeping the auto industry. In a German factory, Audi is making “e-diesel” that uses— rather than emits—carbon dioxide.

The carbon-neutral fuel contains no sulfur or fossil oil. If it catches on and is produced for a mass market, it could make internal combustion engines much cleaner in the future.

“Synthetic diesel using CO2 is a huge success,” says Germany’s Federal Minister of Education and Research Johanna Wanka, who showed her support last week by putting the first five liters (1.3 gallons) into her work car, an Audi A8.

E-diesel is the latest in a slew of breakthroughs aimed at building cleaner cars via carbon-neutral fuels or extended-range batteries. Earlier this month, in research partly funded by Shell*, Virginia Tech unveiled a much more affordable way to produce hydrogen fuel by using discarded corn cobs, stalks and husks.

Alternatively-fueled cars are starting to hit the streets—and racetracks. In California later this year and in Northeast U.S. states next year, Toyota is launching Mirai, a four-door hydrogen-powered sedan that can go up to 300 miles on a full tank and emits nothing but water and vapor from its tailpipe. The Mirai was the first hydrogen-fueled vehicle to enter a NASCAR race on April 25 at the Richmond International Raceway.

Audi has been working on cleaner diesels since 2009, and the only raw materials needed for its newest synthetic are water and carbon dioxide. Its pilot plant in Dresden, operated by the German clean technology companysunfire, uses CO2 supplied by a biogas facility. Additional CO2 for e-diesel is captured from ambient air via technology from Audi’s Zurich-based partnerClimeworks.

“We are promoting another fuel based on CO2 that will allow long-distance mobility with virtually no impact on the climate,” says Reiner Mangold, Audi’s chief of sustainable product development, in announcing the first batch of e-diesel. He says this “fuel of the future” could be used in other industries and other countries.

Making e-diesel requires several steps, which are powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. High-temperature electrolysis splits water, heated to form steam, into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere while the hydrogen is fed into a reactor, where it reacts with CO2 to form a liquid long-form hydrocarbon known as “blue crude.” Audi says the  efficiency of the overall process is “very high”—about 70 percent.

“The engine runs quieter and fewer pollutants are created,” says sunfire Chief Technology Officer Christian von Olshausen. He says the demonstration facility, which opened in November, can produce up to 160 liters (42 gallons) per day, but a bigger plant could follow.

Four Weird Ways Animals Sense the World

Creatures like crabs, butterflies, snakes, and octopuses sense the world in unusual ways.

When humans sniff in order to smell something, we draw a quick puff of air into our nostrils and over chemoreceptors in our nasal cavity. But octopuses, butterflies, and other animals don't have noses like ours. Instead, they've evolved other, sometimes bizarre ways of sensing the world around them.

For instance, if you were to look closely at an Oregon shore crab (Hemigrapsus oregonensis), you wouldn't see anything resembling a nose. But that doesn't mean the creatures have no sense of smell.

Toothbrush for a Nose

"We sniff with our sinuses, and crabs actually do the same thing," said Waldrop, "only they use an external hair array that looks like a really dense toothbrush."

These toothbrushes are located on antennae near the animal's mouth. When the crab wants to take a sniff, it waves these arms through the water.

Quick downstrokes open the bristles, allowing water and odor molecules to swish between them. Slower upward strokes close the bristles and trap scents against chemosensory cells in the hairs to give the crab a whiff of what's nearby.

Snake Sssssniffing

Though snakes have nostrils, they actually receive a lot more sensory information via their tongues.

A snake's tongue flicks outside its mouth because, like the crab, it's trying to capture scent molecules. Once the tongue draws back inside, the fork fits neatly into two pits in the roof of the mouth, thereby transferring those molecules to the snake's sensory center, called the vomeronasal or Jacobson's organ.

Their forked tongue can even provide the snake with a bit of spatial information—as in, "the juicy squirrel is to the left." 

Tasting With Your Toes

Given the way most of our feet smell, being able to sense the world through them doesn't sound all that appealing. But imagine if you spent each day strolling across flowers and ripened fruit.

Flies have chemosensory hairs both on their labellum (think lips for insects) and their tarsi (the equivalent of feet). So when one lands on your sandwich, it's not simply taking a rest, but is actively sampling your lunch. If the feet like what they taste, then out come the mouthparts! 

Butterflies can also taste the world through their feet, but do so for a different reason. Females lay their eggs on the undersides of plants so that the caterpillars have something to eat when they hatch. Mom uses the foot taste test to avoid poisonous plants—a choice that means the difference between dinner and death.

Insects aren't the only ones that can taste with their extremities. Octopuses can have as many as 1,800 suckers on their eight legs, and each one is packed with chemical receptors. 

Taste All Over

Perhaps no animal is as weirdly and thoroughly equipped to taste the world around it as the yellow bullhead catfish (Ictalurus natalis). Its whole body might as well be one long, slimy tongue.

This fish has over 175,000 taste buds stretching from head to tail, with a high concentration in the "whiskers" or barbels near the mouth. By comparison, human tongues usually have between 2,000 and 8,000 taste buds.

Like the crabs Waldrop studies, these catfish typically live in conditions with poor visibility; much of what they eat must be scavenged out of the mud. This hypersensitivity even helps the fish hunt live prey at night.