Google TechTalks examins human computation and how to achieve a better search engine by exploiting people to work for free through online video game addictions and technology.
Google TechTalks July 26, 2006
Luis von Ahn is an assistant professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he also received his Ph.D. in 2005. Previously, Luis obtained a B.S. in mathematics from Duke University in 2000. He is the recipient of a Microsoft Research Fellowship.
ABSTRACT Tasks like image recognition are trivial for humans, but continue to challenge even the most sophisticated computer programs. This talk introduces a paradigm for utilizing human processing power to solve problems that computers cannot yet solve. Traditional approaches to solving such problems focus on improving software. I advocate a novel approach: constructively channel human brainpower using computer games. For example, the ESP Game, described in this talk, is an enjoyable online game — many people play over 40 hours a week — and when people play, they help label images on the Web with descriptive keywords. These keywords can be used to significantly improve the accuracy of image search. People play the game not because they want to help, but because they enjoy it.
I describe other examples of “games with a purpose”: Peekaboom, which helps determine the location of objects in images, and Verbosity, which collects common-sense knowledge. I also explain a general approach for constructing games with a purpose.
This is the very first episode of the Net Cafe series. It was shot on location at a cybercafe in San Francisco called CoffeeNet. It looks at the hacker culture and their influence on the early growth of the internet. Guests include Dan Farmer, author of SATAN and COPS; Elias Levi (aka Aleph 1), webmaster of underground.org and Bugtraq; also “Reid Fleming” and “White Knight” from Cult of the Dead Cow. Originally broadcast in 1996.
A 14 year old boy from Utah got a little surprise recently when he popped what he thought to be a copy of Madden NFL 2007 into his Xbox360. Instead of the game, it turns out the disc contained porn.
The game was bought by the kids uncle from a CircuitCity in California and was complete with the factory seal and an embossed Madden NFL 07 label on the disc. Both EA and a spokeswoman for that particular store said they have not received any other such complaints. Still, the spokeswoman promised to look into the matter further.
According to next-gen.biz, Utah’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Layton police and California authorities have also taken interest and are investigating the case.
Watch a quality documentary about hacking from the 1960s to date. Takes a historical approach, looking at the role of the hacker during that time. Features Steve Wozniak, Capt. Crunch, and Kevin Mitnick.
Watch the Documentary on hacking: The History of Hacking Documentary
A hacker called muslix64 posted instructions on how to crack AACS (Advanced Access Content System) encryption, used on high-definition HD-DVD discs to prevent and illegal copying and bootlegging.
I was not aware of anyone having done that, so I did. Have a look. The AACS copy protection system is realy Unbreakable! The program is a simple implementation of the aacs crypto protocol freely available on the net. No reverse engineering! Stay tuned for source code soon! Merry Christmas everyone! - muslix64
Reuters News Click on HD-DVD AACS Copy Protection
The AACS system was developed by companies including Walt Disney Co., Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., Toshiba Corp. and Sony Corp. to protect high-definition formats, including Toshiba’s HD-DVD and Sony’s Blu-ray.
Muslix64 posted a video and decryption codes showing how to copy several films, including Warner Bros’ “Full Metal Jacket” and Universal Studios’ “Van Helsing,” on a popular hacker Internet blog and a video-sharing site.
The hacker also promised to post more source code on January 2 that will allow users to copy a wider range of titles. - Reuters
“