MACH
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MACH system from MIT can coach those with social anxiety
Plenty of people out there have a serious phobia of public speaking and there are tons of other disorders, such as Asperger's, that severely limit a person's ability to handle even simple social interactions. M. Ehsan Hoque, a student at the MIT Media Lab, has made these subjects the focus of her latest project: MACH (My Automated Conversation coacH). At the heart of MACH is a complex system of facial and speech recognition algorithms that can detect subtle nuances in intonation while tracking smiles, head nods and eye movement. The latter is especially important since the front end of MACH is a computer generated avatar that can tell when you break eye contact and shift your attention elsewhere. The software then provides feedback about your performance, helping to prep you for that big presentation or just guide you out of your shell. Experimental data suggests that coaching from MACH could even help you perform better in a job interview. What's particularly exciting is that the program requires no special hardware; it's designed to be used with a standard webcam and microphone on a laptop. So it might not be too long before we start seeing apps designed to help users through social awkwardness. Before you go, make sure to check out the video after the break.
Final X-51A WaveRider hypersonic mission achieves Mach 5.1, record flight length
With the third X-51A WaveRider failing to reach hypersonic speed due to a fin failure last August, it seemed the United States Air Force would possibly forgo the fourth (and final) run. On the morning of May 1st, however, that last X-51A got its chance to soar, successfully reaching Mach 5.1 during a record 370-second flight. According to the Wright Patterson Air Force base, the aircraft's rocket booster helped it hit Mach 4.8 about 26 seconds after being released from a B-2H at 50K feet, at which point its air-fed scramjet brought it to 60,000 feet while achieving hypersonic flight. The USAF notes that "it was the longest of the four X-51A test flights [230 nautical miles] and the longest air-breathing hypersonic flight" -- surely taking some of the sting out of the $300 million program's previous shortcomings. Past flights aimed to hit Mach six, with the first and second tests only sustaining Mach five. The aircraft made destructive splashdown landing into the Pacific as planned, but data from the whole flight was recorded. The USAF isn't planning a follow-up to the X-51A anytime soon, though the program will likely serve as a reference for future designs. You can dig into the official rundown at the link below.
Skype begins direct carrier billing in Russia, US and Canada to follow
As data bundles become more prevalent, it's natural to see Skype as a thorn in the side of mobile operators' voice offerings. A new direct billing deal with carriers announced today, however, could prove that the two can play nice. While it's not a full embrace, it effectively means that operators could sell you Skype credit directly, and not be cut out of the loop completely. There are no details on what arrangements between operators and Skype will look like, but from the user's perspective, it's another welcome payment option. The service has been on the cards for some time now, with some operators expressing an interest for even longer. Skype tells us that the service is live today with an unnamed Russian operator, with promise of it coming to the US and Canada soon. As GigaOM points out, Mach -- who the VoIP provider is partnering with -- lists T-Mobile, Telus and Verizon Wireless among its client list. So, while nothing is confirmed, there's a heads-up over which operators might get the facility first.
LG Mach reaches Sprint on November 11th at $100, Optimus G pre-orders begin today
That was quick -- not long after launch details of the LG Mach were caught lurking in Sprint's catalog, the carrier has confirmed them. Fans of the Korean firm's aesthetic who also like their QWERTY keyboards can buy the mid-range smartphone for $100 on November 11th, the same day its bigger Optimus G cousin reaches stores. Just be sure to avoid the Sprint website during the wait for the newly dated device; Optimus G pre-orders have started at the source link, and a click on LG's flagship could be mighty tempting.
Sprint adds LG Mach, Optimus G, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 and tri-mode USB dongle to fall LTE lineup
If simple vanity trinkets don't excite you, Sprint has something else to tempt you in -- four new LTE devices. The new line-up includes two phones, a tablet and a USB dongle, so hopefully something for everyone. The phones? The 13-megapixel toutin' Optimus G (as we suspected) and Mach (a cheaper, 1.2GHz dual-core, 4-inch, 1080p capable QWERTY ICS phone), both by LG. If you need a little more screen real-estate, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 will be joining the other Koreans with its 1.5GHz dual-cores and 1,200 x 800-screened ICS on the good ship Sprint too. Happy with your notebook, and just want the service? Sprint's adding a Plug-in-Connect USB dongle to the menu also. No deets on cost and dates we're afraid, with "fall" being all the info we've got right now. Feel free to delve into the PR after the break, in the meantime though.
Mach inks carrier billing deal with Everything Everywhere, O2, Vodafone and Three in the UK
Not a month after Mach's last carrier billing deal, UK network providers Vodafone, Three, O2 and Everything Everywhere are getting in on the action. The company's direct billing solutions will initially allow the networks to charge app and online purchases straight to your bill, with in-app sales joining them at a later date. Don't expect this to be implemented immediately, however, as the agreement covers the back-end processing -- the individual carriers will be responsible for turning it on customer-side. They'll likely inform you when they hit the switch and your phone bill becomes a monthly surprise.
Skype strikes deal with Mach to expand direct carrier billing for credit purchases
Skype is always finding new ways of making it easier for users to spend money, and now it's extending its carrier billing options in a new deal with Mach. From October, more users than ever will be able to buy credit for the VoIP service then forget about it -- at least until the phone bill arrives. Purchases will initially be available through a web browser, but in-app functionality is expected in the future, although there's no word on exactly which network providers will be involved. We hope, however, that sometime next month, at least a few of those who enjoy Skyping on the move will appreciate sending the bill to their carrier.
LG LU3000 taking its 1080p talents to South Korea in a week's time
Ah, LG's LU3000, the sprightly young thing that made the iPhone 4 and Galaxy S look a wee bit aged in some YouTube tests has now become official over in South Korea. It boasts a 1GHz TI OMAP3630 chip, allowing it to jot down 1080p video playback on its spec sheet, which in turn goes very nicely with the built-in HDMI port and DLNA wireless capabilities. A 3.8-inch screen offers an 800 x 480 resolution, there's a 5 megapixel camera around the back, and a mildly skinned Android 2.2 performs the OS duties. Curiously enough, the LU3000's home screen looks identical to the one on the leaked LG Star, suggesting that the stuff they're running will represent LG's default Android treatment for the near future. 800,000KRW ($705) buys you the 3000 when it ships in its native land a week from now, though there are apparently no plans to spread the wealth to other nations. Why so selfish, LG?
Heatseeker's explosive trailer
This must be the year of flight combat games on the PSP. We have M.A.C.H, After Burner and now Heatseeker. Heatseeker is one of the many games that is a Wii/PSP coop and I have a feeling in some ways the Wii will help keep the PSP flowing with new games due to their similarities in power. Judging from the above trailer, this should be a satisfying game for flight combat fans who like their carnage turned up to 11. Codemasters is scheduled to relase Heatseeker later this month. [Via GameTrailers]
MACH's slow "death race"
The upcoming PSP-exclusive airplane racer/shooter, MACH, has just come out in Japan. I was pretty excited about the game, but looking at GameTrailers' latest footage was a little underwhelming. The game reminds me a lot of Nintendo 64's Diddy Kong Racing: don't these planes feel a little too slow for you? And shouldn't there be more consequences for running into things?See also:PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 1
Import game releases for the week of 01/14/07
Always wanted to play import games, but never wanted to mod your system? Well lucky for you, the PSP allows you to play import games right out of the box. But now you may wonder what the newest import games are. Well, that's why every Sunday I'm here to keep you updated. M.A.C.H. (Modified Air Combat Heroes) We talked about this one a few weeks back since it's coming to the US next month. If you can't wait that long though and don't mind if your games aren't localized than you can buy M.A.C.H. this week. If it's not obvious from the game's title (and really it should be), the gameplay revolves around air combat. Initial D Street Stage (PSP the Best) Based on the popular manga, this game is all about not just racing, but drifting. In between races you upgrade your car so you can more easily take down rivals. This game isn't new, but this is the "best" release which means you can buy it cheaper than ever. Wizardry Empire III: Haoh no Keifu Oddly enough this series has had more popularity and sequels in Japan than in its native country. The newest installment still plays like the PC RPGs of old. You move in first person while exploring dungeons and killing monsters. Visit towns, get new weapons and defeat evil. Unless you know Japanese though, it isn't usually a good idea to import an RPG. Talkman Shiki: Shabe Lingual Eikaiwa Talkman is voice-activated translation software It translates words into your language or vice-versa. This release centers around teaching English and key phrases one would need to get by in the US or an English speaking country. The Talkman releases have been somewhat popular where they've been released, so I still wonder why this useful software has never gotten a version in the US. That's it for now , see you back here next week for even more import games! [Update 1: Fixed tagging.]
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 1
PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com. Instructions: Save all movie files to MP_ROOT/101ANV01/. Requires firmware 2.00 or above. Shrek the Third Download MP4 (9.71MB) | Download THM The following videos are featured after the break: Reno 911, MotorStorm (PS3), MACH (PSP) and Final Fantasy Tactics (PSP)
P.S.P. to see M.A.C.H. A.S.A.P.
For those too impatient to wait for Planet Moon's Afterburner update, soon you'll be able to get your mach speed on with M.A.C.H. According to Gamespot the game is set to be on store shelves in the US on February 20th for $39.99. Developed by Kuju Entertainment and to be published by Sierra, the game has you flying in underground competitions and customizing your flying death machine all the while hoping to keep down your lunch. It also allows for game sharing with the multiplayer, so you can still play the game even if your friends are cheap. The game is rated E10+ which means even if you can't legally pilot a real plane, you can substitute that desire with the game.
Famitsu releases details on new aerial-combat game
Our close friends at Famitsu (Actually, I don't think have any idea who we are) have just released some screens and info about M.A.C.H. (Modified Air Combat Heroes). The game, which will be published by Vivendi Games, combines aerial racing and combat that may be somewhat similar to Twisted Metal in the sky."M.A.C.H. is set in the year 2049, when manned jet fighters are no longer used. The main character of the game, a member of the final graduating class of the Air Force Academy, obtains the military's remaining stock of jet fighters. For one reason or another, he then decides to hold races with the fighters," according to PSP-Vault's translation.While there doesn't seem to be any additional information available for the game, IGN has the game scheduled to be released in the U.S. Dec. 19. [Via PSP-Vault]
