Geek News

Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma Meow-Meow couldn't just toss away his New South Wales transit pass even after he found out that it got deactivated while he was on a trip to the US. See, Meow-Meow (yes, that is his legal name) cut the chip out of the travel card, encased it in biocompatible plastic and had it implanted under the skin on his left hand. The biohacker now plans to file a lawsuit against New South Wales' transport authorities, not just to fight the decision, but also to help create laws around body-hacking tech. In addition to the transit pass chip, Meow-Meow has two other implanted electronic components in his body, including one that can store his important documents. "This is case law in creation and it's fun to be at the centre of this," he told Australian Associated Press . "This is a scenario so unusual that their lawyers never foresaw this happening because, if they did, they would have written it in there." New South Wales' authoritie...

David Sandberg's instant cult classic, Kung Fury is not only getting a full-length sequel, it's attracting big-name stars to the action comedy set in 1980's Miami. Today, the former Terminator and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined the upcoming film. Sandberg's short movie began as a Kickstarter campaign . With the help of a trailer, he was able to raise $630,019 to finish a 30-minute version of his vision. then as promised he placed it on YouTube. It has since made its way to most of the major streaming services. The low-budget short is a hilarious homage to 80s action movies. Set in 1985 Miami, but shot in Umeå, Sweden, the movie follows detective Kung Fury as he partners with dinosaurs, fights Nazis and pretty much kicks ass for 31 minutes. Oh, and David Hasselhoff makes a cameo and stars in the True Survivor music video from the movie. The Hoff, along with Michael Fassbender are also slated to star in the full-length sequel which is also set i...

Born out of a recurring sketch appearing on The Late Late Show with James Corden , Apple's Carpool Karaoke: The Series seems to be resonating with subscribers of Apple Music . Today during an investor call , CBS (the producer of the show) announced the show would return for a second season. Carpool Karaoke: The Series is only available via an Apple Music subscription ($9.99 a month) and puts teams of celebrities in cars to sing along to their favorite hits. The first season paired up Alicia Keys and Chrissy Teigen's husband John Legend, Shaquille O'Neal and John Cena, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith and even James Corden (whose show the segment appeared on) appeared in two episodes: One with Will Smith, the other with Lebron James. No word on who will be guest starring next season or when it will be available via the music subscription service. But, we're really hoping for a Run the Jewels episode where they sing Queen songs . Via: Variety via Engadget ...

It seems like there's no end to the data breach stories. Uber covered their problem up, then had to answer to Congress. Equifax's initial response to its massive data exposure added its own security issue . Federal employees were even found stealing data from Homeland Security. Now FedEx customer records — including passports, drivers licenses and other security IDs — have been exposed, according to security researchers at Kromtech . Apparently, FedEx bought Bongo International in 2014, then rebranded it as FedEx Crossborder (which was itself shut down last year). The exposed data were reportedly stored on an unsecured Amazon S3 virtual server that belonged to Bongo, and included records from a period of 2009 - 20012, according to Kromtech , who own MacKeeper Security. Once the company connected with ZDNet's Zack Whittaker , who did some digging, the exposed server was removed from public access entirely. Still, that means all these records have been available for a...

Apple launched its not-so-smart speaker HomePod last week, and it's already suffered a social kerfuffle when users discovered that the device leaves a ring-shaped mark on wooden furniture. Well, find a problem and the peripheral market will rush with a solution: Coasters and stands are popping up to save wooden desks and tables. Apple peripheral maker Pad & Quill has a new coaster made with 'American Full-grain leather' it's selling for $20, though you could just buy one (or a set) with the same 4-inch dimensions on Amazon . If you wanted a more robust solution, MERES is selling both a regular aluminum stand for and one that's wall- mountable for $43. All could, in theory, protect your wooden furniture, assuming you don't have a plastic table or granite countertop to rest your HomePod instead, since users haven't reported it marking up on any other material. Via: AppleInsider via Engadget RSS Feed "http://ift.tt/2Gg2Jif"

Science published three studies today that all demonstrate new uses for CRISPR . The gene editing technology is typically thought of for its potential use in treating diseases like HIV , ALS and Huntington's disease , but researchers are showing that applications of CRISPR don't stop there. The first study comes from the lab of CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna. Her team discovered that a CRISPR system different from the CRISPR-Cas9 one we're used to hearing about can not only snip away specific bits of double-stranded DNA, but can then also cut single-stranded DNA that's near it. After they uncovered this ability of CRISPR-Cas12a, they used it to detect two common types of HPV. Once their CRISPR-Cas12a system detected HPV DNA in infected cells, it cleaved a another piece of DNA that then released a fluorescent signal, providing a visual sign of the presence of HPV. The researchers dubbed the system DETECTR and The Verge reports that it takes around an hour to work...

Jeffrey Tambor's role in Transparent has been in limbo for months following sexual harassment allegations , but there's no ambiguity now: he's out. Amazon has confirmed that Tambor won't return to the series following an internal investigation into his conduct. Tambor had denied claims of intentional harassment and argued that the "politicized atmosphere" made it impractical for him to come back, but he had never gone so far as to formally depart. Tambor had come under fire in November 2017 after actresses Van Barnes and Trace Lysette accused him of harassment that included lewd remarks and "physical" actions. Other members of the cast and crew later supported the allegations. While Tambor acknowledged that he could be "volatile and ill-tempered," he maintained that he didn't set out to harass anyone. Transparent will continue -- work had started on writing out Tambor's once-central character shortly after the allegations re...

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter . When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here . Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse Street Price: $95; Deal Price: $80 Back on sale at $80, this matches the lowest price we've seen on the Logitech MX Master 2S, our upgrade wireless mouse pick. The successor to the beloved MX Master mouse is great itself, though one thing usually not so great is the cost, typically around $95. This deal drops it significantly lower, and if you use a mouse all day every day, at this price it's worth a look. The Logitech MX Master 2S is our upgrade pick in our guide to the best wireless mouse . Justin Krajeski and Kimber Streams wrote, "If you use a mouse for hours every day, we recommend the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse for about $100. It's expensive, but its comfortable design...

Last December, Google launched Android Go , a lightweight operating system for less capable phones typically used in places like India and Indonesia. The company has also been creating apps for these less-capable phones, too, including YouTube Go and a Go-enabled Assistant . Now Google has Gmail Go , a Gmail client made to use less data and storage space for lower end Android phones. Users will still get the smart inbox behavior of the regular Gmail app, 15 GB of free storage space and support for both IMAP and POP email protocols. According to TechCrunch , several reports show the app coming in as a 9.51 MB download, which expands to 25 MB once installed. The regular Gmail app downloads at 20.66 MB and expands to 47 MB on your device. Google declined to comment when we reached out for more info. Via: TechCrunch Source: Google Play via Engadget RSS Feed "http://ift.tt/2EslQ8d"

Uber isn't the only ridesharing outfit with an interest in bike sharing . Lyft has formed a partnership with Baltimore Bike Share that will launch hybrid pickup points and bike sharing hubs across the Maryland city. The aim, of course, is to help you switch transportation methods with a minimum of fuss. You could take just one Lyft trip downtown and pedal around for the rest of the day, or bike to a stop if you only occasionally need more than human-powered transport. The first stop was unveiled at the Baltimore Visitor Center, while others will come to busy areas like Harbor East, Hopkins Place, the National Aquarium and the Shot Tower. Lyft pitches this as part of its broader efforts to improve urban transportation by giving you multiple travel methods. Like Uber, though, there's a clear financial incentive for Lyft: this encourages you to ditch a personally owned car and use ridesharing whenever biking isn't enough. Via: TechCrunch Source: Baltimore Business Jo...

Every so often, a Mac or iOS bug works its way into the wild that'll crash your phone or computer with a single character send via iMessage. The latest iteration of such a bug arrived last night, affecting iOS, Macs and even the Apple Watch, but fortunately Apple is already working on a fix. As reported by The Verge and confirmed by Apple, a fix for iOS is on the way. It'll arrive sooner than the upcoming iOS 11.3 update . All we know so far is that the bug fix update will be available "soon," whereas iOS 11.3 wasn't expected to arrive until the spring. Unfortunately, there's no word about a corresponding fix for the Mac or Apple Watch yet. iOS 11.3 is expected to be more extensive than most mid-year updates, with new Animoji, battery health monitoring features, Face ID for family account purchases and more. But before that, users should see this bug fix, probably in the next week or so. Going forward, iOS 12 is expected to help iron out the many issues...

Over a year ago, Google updated its Maps app for Android , making it easier for users to search for restaurants, check out nearby traffic and find public transit schedules. Today, that update is now available for iOS users. With the update, Google Maps users will see three options on the bottom of their screens -- explore, driving and transit. Tapping the explore tab will bring up dining options nearby as well as photos, a description of the area you're currently in and options to search for gas stations, ATMs, convenience stores, pharmacies and other locations. The driving tab gives you a summary of the traffic situation in your area including an estimate as to how much time ongoing delays might add to your drive. If your home and work addresses are saved in Google Maps , it will also give you real-time ETAs for those destinations. Lastly, the transit tab provides estimated bus and train schedules at stations near your location. The update is rolling out today. Via: The Ver...

Last April, the Federal Communications Commission, led by its Trump-appointed chairman Ajit Pai, eliminated a restriction that had capped how many stations media companies could own. Weeks later, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced a long- suspected deal to acquire Tribune Media for $3.9 billion. Anyone finding that timing suspicious wouldn't be alone: For two months, the FCC's internal watchdog has been investigating whether Pai and his aides improperly pushed to change the rules and timed it to help Sinclair, Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) confirmed to The New York Times . For months I have been trying to get to the bottom of the allegations about Chairman Pai's relationship with Sinclair Broadcasting. https://t.co/JGmRQp4VoN — Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) February 15, 2018 The extent of the investigation is unclear, as is whatever could result. The office of the FCC's nonpartisan inspector general didn't comment on "the existence or the...

Microsoft Garage makes all kinds of mobile apps for iOS and Android. Some, like the Hub keyboard for iPhone, are experiments; others, like the News Pro app , are a bit more long-term. The team's most recent foray into mobile apps is Photos Companion , an app that easily moves photos from your phone to your Windows 10 PC over WiFi. According to Microsoft , when its Photos app was redesigned in 2017, the product team headed out to various US and European classrooms to see how teachers were incorporating videos and images into their curriculum, and to encourage them to use the app. The biggest issue wasn't the app itself, the team found, but the hassle of getting media from smartphones to classroom PCs. The new app was created to help kids get content from multiple phones into one project PC, from which they could assemble their multimedia presentations. With the Photos Companion app on your iOS or Android phone, you just scan a code on your Windows 10 Photos app, then sele...

Sony thinks its holiday PlayStation VR discounts were a success, so it's bringing them back now that it wants to clear some end-of-winter stock. The company is running a new promo that drops PSVR prices by $100 across the board between February 18th and March 3rd. The sweetest deal by far is the Gran Turismo Sport bundle -- you can get the racing game, a PSVR headset and the requisite camera for $200. You can also buy just the headset for $200, although that won't make much sense unless you just can't find the GTS pack. There are similar price cuts for the Doom VFR and Skyrim VR bundles to a respective $300 and $350. You'll definitely want the Skyrim kit if you want the full experience, since it includes the Move controllers in addition to the camera from the other two bundles. This isn't exactly a long-lived sale, but it's worth considering if you have a PS4 and want to dip your toes into the VR waters. Source: PlayStation Blog via Engadget RSS Fee...

The early '90s made a bad habit out of terrible action games cashing in on brands and celebrities. One of the latter was Shaq Fu , which has become a punchline in Worst Games of All Time lists for franchising out NBA star Shaquille O'Neil into a bad fighter filled with a confusing mish-mash of myths. Instead of ruin, some saw kitschy promise, and a revival was successfully crowdfunded in 2014. Friends who collectively sunk over $450,000 into this dream, your time is coming. Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn will arrive for PC and consoles (including the Switch) this spring. #Shaqfu is back! This Spring, take on the role of the unstoppable @SHAQ , a legend reborn, and fight your way through the hordes of Hell & Hollywood! We'll be sharing a brand new trailer and the release date very soon! https://t.co/aBFbfkw2mO pic.twitter.com/x3WFqGaE6Q — Wired Productions 🎮 (@WiredP) February 15, 2018 After all that time, the trailer footage isn't terribly impressive: A 2.5...

The FDA announced this week that it has approved a blood test that can quickly and reliably detect signs of a concussion . Typically, when someone seeks medical care following a head injury, they're subjected to a neurological test and/or a CT scan. However, CT scans can only detect bleeding or swelling in the brain, and for injuries that are more minor but still serious, those scans aren't terribly useful. Additionally, if CT scans don't spot anything, and in many cases they don't, the person undergoing the scan has been subjected to unnecessary radiation and, usually, an unneeded expense. Similarly, neurological tests, which take some time to complete, aren't always accurate since the medical professional conducting it doesn't always have the patient's baseline performance to compare it to. So, taking all of that into account, serious brain injuries can slip through the cracks. But a blood test could provide an objective measure of head trauma that cou...

There's good news for NASA in the Trump administration's proposed FY2019 budget and some bad. On the one hand, the space agency would receive a minor funding boost -- NASA itself would get $19.9 billion, a 1.3 percent increase over 2017, while its science directorate would receive $5.9 billion, a 2.3 percent increase. On the other hand, not only does the current administration want to cut funding for the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), which would hunt for exoplanets and dark matter, it also wants to defund the International Space Station after 2024, when the US's current commitment to the multinational project expires. Instead, Trump's team hopes that a consortium of private businesses will take over running the station come 2025. The problem is, nobody really knows how (or even if) that would work. But don't worry just yet, according to NASA documents obtained by the Washington Post , it's not as if the ISS is going to come crashing out of ...

If you were hoping Android Oreo would make its way to your Galaxy S8 soon, well, it sounds like you're going to have to wait. Samsung has halted the firmware rollout, as spotted by SamMobile , because the software was causing some handsets to randomly reboot. The rollout began in Europe, where users in the beta program noticed the problem. If you already downloaded and installed, you can keep using the software. But if you downloaded and didn't install, apparently the files will be deleted from your phone. Samsung is working on a fix but hasn't revealed when it will arrive. Via: The Verge Source: SamMobile (1) , (2) via Engadget RSS Feed "http://ift.tt/2o9Suoj"