The country’s state communications regulator has said it has blocked 18 sub-networks and a “significant” number of IP addresses owned by Amazon and Google because they were being used by secure messaging app Telegram, which Russia banned this week, reports CNBC. The IP blocks mean Telegram users won’t be able to rely on sending and receiving Telegram messages sent through Amazon’s and Google’s servers. While Amazon and Google have yet to comment on the block, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has called for a “digital resistance,” announcing that he is prepared to give out millions of dollars worth of grants in bitcoins to companies and individuals that run VPNs and proxy to allow Telegram messages to get around Russia’s ban. Within the last two days, Russia blocked over 15 million IP addresses in attempts to ban Telegram on its territory. Regardless, Telegram remained available for the majority of Russia’s residents … [Read more...] about Russia is blocking Google and Amazon IP addresses in attempt to suppress Telegram
Google’s plans for its next Australian HQ are in tatters
US tech giant Google is still on the hunt for a landmark headquarters in Australia after its latest plan to set up in disused railway yards on the edge of Sydney’s CBD was knocked by the New South Wales government. Developer Mirvac had submitted an unsolicited proposal to the government for the redevelopment of land adjacent to the Carriageworks rail sheds at Eveleigh, including a high-rise tech hub with Google as the anchor tenant. But the proposal has been rejected by cabinet’s infrastructure committee, according to Fairfax Media, falling at the first hurdle because it failed to meet the “uniqueness test”. An unsolicited proposal was the method used by James Packer’s Crown for its casino at Barangaroo, as well as Macquarie Bank’s massive integrated office development in Martin Place. To be unique, the proponent needs to show its plan can’t be replicated by a competitor. In late 2015 Mirvac won a bid to redevelop an adjacent 14-hectare … [Read more...] about Google’s plans for its next Australian HQ are in tatters
Google’s DIY kits for building your own AI gadgets just got a big upgrade
Kaylee Fagan, provided by Published 3:53 pm, Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Google's AIY Projects program — a combination of DIY (do it yourself) and AI (artificial intelligence) — have announced a revamped set of build-it-yourself kits, aiming to bring computer science and programming to the masses. The kits include all the tech, accessories, and instructions required to build a voice-activated speaker or an image-recognizing camera, both powered by Google AI. Recommended Video: Now Playing: Start with a ready-made dog pillow and discarded shipping pallets (found free behind commercial buildings—just ask before taking) to build your puppy his or her own custom bed. Media: SLivingTime "We're taking the first of many steps to help educators integrate AIY into STEM lesson plans and help prepare students for the challenges of the future by launching a new version of our AIY kits," wrote Billy Rutledge, director of AIY projects, in Tuesday's … [Read more...] about Google’s DIY kits for building your own AI gadgets just got a big upgrade
6 things Google’s Pixel 2 does better than the Samsung Galaxy S9
source Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider I’ve had a good long time with both the Google Pixel 2 and the Samsung Galaxy S9, and there are some obvious ways where the Pixel 2 excels. That’s not to say that the Galaxy S9 is bad in comparison. It’s a phenomenal phone that does a lot of things better than the Pixel 2, and I’ll make sure to highlight all those things in a later post. But for now, here’s a look at the six biggest ways that the Pixel 2 is better than the Galaxy S9: 1. The Pixel 2 runs Android the way Google intended it. source Antonio Villas-Boas/Business Insider The Pixel smartphones are Google-made, and that means you get the pure and clean Android experience. And it turns out that the clean Android experience doesn’t need to be messed with, which is something companies like Samsung, LG, HTC and so on keep ignoring. Android on the Pixel 2 is speedy and lightweight compared to the version of Android … [Read more...] about 6 things Google’s Pixel 2 does better than the Samsung Galaxy S9
After Google, Portugal’s tech scene gets boost from VW
LISBON (Reuters) – Volkswagen <VOWG_p.DE> is to set up a software development centre in Lisbon joining a growing list of companies attracted to the information technology scene in the country, which only recently emerged from its economic crisis and bailout. The centre will employ 300 software engineers, web developers and other specialists in the medium term and will develop cloud-based solutions for corporate processes and online services for its vehicles, especially trucks, the German car manufacturer said in a statement on Tuesday. It did not say how much it planned to invest. Volkswagen, which is already one of the largest foreign investors in Portugal, has recently expanded its Autoeuropa plant southeast of Lisbon to make its new compact T-ROC sport utility vehicle. Lisbon’s Mayor Fernando Medina said VW’s latest move was recognition of Lisbon’s drive to build a vibrant tech and creative centre, where people could also have access to a high quality … [Read more...] about After Google, Portugal’s tech scene gets boost from VW