selfdestructing
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US Army patents bullet that self-destructs to protect civilians
The .50 caliber bullet is one of the biggest projectiles you can fit in a rifle or machine gun. Its size and range makes it super-effective at neutralizing foes over long distances, but because it also takes a lot to stop, it can still harm or kill innocent bystanders. Maybe that's why the US Army has patented a new "limited range projectile" that self-destructs as it reaches its target.
Facebook tests Snapchat-like self-destructing messages
Some Facebook users in France have spotted a new feature in the Messenger app. They're seeing an hourglass in the top-right corner of a conversation that when tapped sets messages to self-destruct in one hour's time. Facebook says that it's testing this new feature in France and might roll it out to everybody if users embrace it. If this all feels a little familiar, that's probably because it's very similar to Facebook's own Slingshot app. And if that seemed familiar, that's because it was a pretty direct take on what Snapchat has been doing since it launched in 2011. Facebook attempted to buy Snapchat in 2013 for a rumoured $3 billion dollars, but Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel refused the offer. So it seems like Facebook has adopted the mentality that if you can't buy them, beat them.
Self-destructing book gives you 24 hours to finish reading
Think you're pretty good at speed-reading? You now have a chance to prove it. As part of a publicity stunt, author James Patterson is giving away 1,000 self-destructing digital advance copies of his latest novel, Private Vegas. If you score one, you have 24 hours to finish the entire book before the text vanishes forever. And if that's just not risky enough, Patterson is selling a real self-destructing copy (for a whopping $294,038) that includes a dedicated bomb squad, among other creature comforts. There are likely much better ways to spend six digits in record time, but it'll probably be the most exciting reading experience you ever have -- no matter how good the story might be.
Virtuity's Backstopp destroys data if laptop leaves DMZ
Though Virtuity's Backstopp technology won't make your laptop self destruct per se, it will keep whatever organized crime unit that's after you from attempting to jack your machine twice -- if you live to have such an opportunity, that is. Nevertheless, said software keeps a constant eye on the location of one's laptop, and if it's moved from a predetermined safe zone, a signal is activated that can inform the rig to vaporize sensitive data. Reportedly, lappies can be monitored with a variety of wireless technologies (WiFi and RFID are mentioned in particular), but considering that such a service will run you £10 ($19.54) per month, you better be one wanted individual to make it worthwhile.[Via Pocket-lint]
