Surprise! NASA unveils manned 'Deep Space Transportation System'

With the Space Shuttle's last ride right around the corner, there's a worry that NASA will be out of the manned spaceflight game for good, leaving it to the private sector instead. Well, walking back out onto the stage like a rockstar for an encore, NASA just screamed, "We're going into deep space, ya'll!" before diving into the crowd.

At the heart of NASA's "Deep Space Transportation System" is a manned crew-capsule-and-rocket combo the agency has tasked Lockheed Martin with cobbling together. Called the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (or MPCV), NASA envisions the spacecraft taking a crew of four astronauts into deep space on missions lasting upwards of 21 days (so, no Mars landings just yet), and then splashing down in the Pacific Ocean just like in the old days. It's also billed as being "10 times safer during ascent and entry than its predecessor, the space shuttle."

The MPCV's crew capsule design takes a direct cue from Orion, which was to fulfill the same role for the Constellation program, an initiative that was canned after it fell behind schedule and over budget.

That four-person limit is down from what the Orion capsule was originally supposed to ferry around at six crew (and lower than the shuttles six to eight), and the craft also doesn't look like it'll be able to transport the same heavy loads the Space Shuttle did, such as deploying a satellite into orbit. What it can do is take that crew out of low earth orbit, meaning real-deal, manned outer space exploration and study. It can also dock with the International Space Station, making one wonder if, in the future, the MPCV might not just deploy from the ISS for multiple missions rather than always returning to Earth. Here's what we're looking at — you can see the capsule nestled in the chassis:

We've know that Lockheed Martin was working on a manned capsule for deep space exploration for a while now, but it's nice to hear it officially from NASA. Now, after the Space Transportation System — the formal name for the Space Shuttle program — ends, it sounds like the Deep Space Transportation System will be the agency's focus.

From NASA Administration Charles Bolden:

"We are committed to human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and look forward to developing the next generation of systems to take us there. The NASA Authorization Act lays out a clear path forward for us by handing off transportation to the International Space Station to our private sector partners, so we can focus on deep space exploration. As we aggressively continue our work on a heavy lift launch vehicle, we are moving forward with an existing contract to keep development of our new crew vehicle on track."

NASA, via Physorg and Jalopnik

Read more »

Modder stuffs a crazy powerful PC into a desk

What computer is all glass and aluminum and looks sexy as hell? No, it's not an iMac; it's this "L3P D3SK" made by a fella named Peter from the Netherlands. Yep, he shoved an entire computing rig directly into a desk. In terms of style points, the L3P D3SK beats the pants off this PC in a desk.

Looking within the glowing desk, you'll find 10TB of storage and a Core i7 processor that can be overclocked to 4.5GHz+. Oh, and Peter says the entire thing is silent as a mouse thanks to its water-cooled system and 17 fans. Jeebus! Peter even tossed in a three-monitor set-up to make this thing a regular Batman command center.
Want one of your very own? You're out of luck buddy, because Peter only made one and he's not selling it. Maybe if you have seven months of your own free time, you can build your very own. And now for some pics...

Coolermaster and Tweakers, via Lifehacker

Read more »

Advisory: You Should Probably Take Breaks

Nintendo’s 3DS, the handheld console that’s supposed to revolutionize the gaming experience, was gobbled up in the tech market during this week’s launch. Not only does the wide screen on top (800×240 pixel resolution) allow the user to play visually eye-popping games, but also its two outer cameras augment reality, displaying our 2D existence as an interactive 3D world. However, there’s a bit of a snag. Many users have been complaining of eye discomfort and headaches while playing the 3D games. So you don’t need glasses to play the 3DS, but you might feel like you need them by the time you’re done playing.
“The problem with it is that if you’re not looking at the system straight on, then your perspective is changing, tiring your eyes. This is ultimately going to give you a headache,” said gamer Kara Zisa.
Our visual perspective changes every time we move, so our eyes are constantly re-adjusting to the 3D. And while the headaches and eye irritation are short term, it’s an annoying side effect to what’s supposed to be a fun new way to use the technology.

Representatives from Nintendo are urging players to take frequent breaks from playing to avoid experiencing any of these problems. Another option to reduce the risk of any discomfort is to lower the amount of 3D effects, which can be tweaked using the built-in 3D Depth Slider. This feature can turn the 3D off and allow the user to play all of the games and apps in 2D. But what’s the point of getting a 3DS if you’re going to do that?

Although the 3DS is already popular, there are a couple of kinks with the technology that need to be worked out. This is only the beginning of what’s to come and we all know newer updated consoles will probably hit the market before we even have time to get used to what’s already available. So, my advice is to save the $250 (and the headache) for a newer version that will have better graphics and games.

Read more »

Microsoft's acquisition of Skype for $8.5 billion becomes official

Combined companies will benefit consumers, businesses and increase market opportunity.

REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG – May 10, 2011 – Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: "MSFT") and Skype Global S.à r.l today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.

The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype's world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft's existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.

With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.

Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.

"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."

Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.

"Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers," said Tony Bates. "Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate," Bates said.

"Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I'm looking forward to Skype's talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft," Ballmer said.

Speaking on behalf of the investor group that sold Skype to Microsoft, Egon Durban, managing director of Silver Lake, said: "We are thrilled with Skype's transformation during the period of our ownership and grateful for the extraordinary commitment of its management team and employees. We are excited about Skype's long-term future with Microsoft, as it is poised to become one of the world's most dynamic and comprehensive communications platforms."

Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake's leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.

Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties hope to obtain all required regulatory clearances during the course of this calendar year.

About Skype
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free.

Source: Engadget

Read more »

Justin Bieber in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Smart, with official TV partner TV5 presents Justin Bieber My World Tour in Manila on May 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. Watch the platinum-selling pop singing sensation perform his hits. This is Manila’s hottest concert ticket this year.

At 12, Justin entered a local singing competition. To share his success and talent with family members, he began posting videos of his performances on YouTube. Visitors to the site began subscribing to his videos, and he ended up becoming a YouTube sensation with over 10 million views of his performances. Not long after that, Scooter Braun discovered him as Braun came across his videos. Soon, he was signed to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture between Braun and Usher, and then to a recording contract with Island Records offered by L.A. Reid. And the rest was history.

To celebrate Justin’s YouTube beginnings and officially start Bieber fever in Manila, Smart brings Campus Bieber-Oke to students. It’s a karaoke-video booth that will go campus-hopping in search for the best Bieber-like performer. Students get a chance to win concert tickets by belting their best Justin Bieber rendition at the Bieber-oke booths. The fun doesn’t stop there because all contestants get a chance to meet Justin and win tickets for the entire barkada. How? The best performances in video, hailed as finalists by the Bieber-oke team, will be uploaded on BieberinManila.com. The video with the most number of votes will be the grand winner. All you have to be is a Smart Buddy, Smart Gold, or Smart Bro subscriber with a valid school ID and a filled up contest registration form. So what are you waiting for? Sing your hearts out at the following campuses: Today and tomorrow at St. Paul College-Pasig and College of the Holy Spirit; and Feb. 14 to 18, De La Salle University-Manila. For contest mechanics and more information regarding the campus tour, you may check out www.facebook.com/mmilive. For schools who want to join the roster, you may call 845-0125.

Exclusive to Smart subscribers, text JB to 234 for Justin Bieber music downloads.

For ticket reservations to this most anticipated concert, you may call SM Tickets at 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets.com. You may also check out TicketWorld at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call at 891-9999. Tickets are priced at P8,000 (VIP), P5,000 (Gold), P3,500 (Silver), P2,000 (Bronze) and P750 (General Admission), plus applicable service charge.

Justin Bieber My World Tour with special guest Poreotics is presented by Smart, TV5, Bench, SM Mall of Asia, FOX, STAR World, Music Management International, AEDI, EDSA Shangri-La, MCA Music, SM Supermalls, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business World, Candy, KZone, Total Girl, RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, Y101 Cebu, Wild FM Davao 92.3, and Philstar.com.

Source: Philstar

Read more »

Pacquiao VS Mosley Fight - Live Stream

Watch Live Stream here...

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs) will be on the ring again this coming May 7, 2011 to defend his honor, boxing title and his domination as pound for pound king of the world against the American boxer, “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs).

Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum made the arrangements to make this fight to happen. Arum believes that Pacquiao vs. Mosley is much better compared to other options that line up prior to the decision day of the fight such as options like Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy and Pacquiao-Chavez match up.

Honestly, I was expecting that Pacquiao will be fighting against the undefeated welterweight boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. but the latter faces different legal issues that really hampered him to think about anything about boxing and make the dream match materialized. Maybe later this year or next it will happen but Mayweather really need to fix his problems first so that he could focus on fighting the people’s champ.

Now, with the announcement of Mosley-Pacquiao match, mixed opinions spread and a lot of them thinks that Mosley is too old for Manny to keep up with his speed and power. However, he said that he won’t go easy with the champ and even his opponent is saying that this fight will be quite difficult compared to other matches he successfully won.

CBS/Showtime will be the one to handle in televising the fight instead of HBO. They will also produce a 24/7 – like sports documentary for the match to promote it several weeks before the fight night. The boxing event will be happening at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The 24/7-like series will be the called as “FIGHT CAMP 360°: Pacquiao vs. Mosley” which premiere date will be on April 2, 2011. You might want to check the complete schedule at WATCHPACQUIAO.COM.

Later, return here at Bleuken.com for the links or live video streaming that I will try to share to you on where you could possibly watch Pacquiao vs. Mosley live online or even its fight replay. I will also update this article for other highlights of the match, news and other stuff about Pacquiao vs. Mosley fight on May 7.

Featured undercard fights for this boxing event are:

* Humberto Soto (56-7-2) vs. Urbano Antillon (28-2-0) rematch for the WBC Lightweight division.
* Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. (19-0-0) vs. Jorge Arce (56-6-2) for the WBO Super Bantamweight Title.
* Kelly Pavlik (36-2-0) vs. Alfonso Lopez III (21-0-0) in a 10-round Super Middleweight showdown

By the way, you can leave your comments below for any reactions, feedback or fight prediction about this upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley match.

Pacquiao vs. Mosley Fight Updates

4/13/2011: Pacquiao is in Los Angeles, California right now for the final leg of the extensive training for the match while Mosley is still in Big Bear California. Azkals – a football team from the Philippines visited Manny and express their support and interest to watch Pacquiao vs. Mosley live.

4/21/2011: You can now watch Fight Camp 360: Pacquiao vs. Mosley Episode 1 full replay here at Bleuken.com, just check out the link on this website.

5/5/2011: Top Rank boxing held a Las Vegas press conference today that marks the beginning of the “Unstoppable” event. A 7 part series dubbed as “Count Down to Pacquiao vs. Mosley” was also produced by them to promote the fight which can be watched via Top Rank’s official Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/trboxing. Meanwhile, the official Pacquiao vs. Mosley weigh-in will be held on May 6, 2011 at 6pm ET/PT and can be watched live via SHO Extreme. I hope that the Top Rank website got a live stream version of it so that I could also watch it live but I believe that CBS/SHO will upload the video feed of the weigh-in in Youtube which the same thing that they did on Fight Camp 360.

5/6/2011: The official weigh-in will be telecast live via CBS/SHO Sports Extreme at 6pm Eastern Time (6am May 7 in the Philippines) and can be watched live via Top Rank Live Streaming. I’ll post the result below later.

5/7/2011: Here’s the undercard non-televised match started at 6pm ET. Main card starts at 9pm ET and the video below will be replaced later.

Source: Bleuken

Read more »

BrainDriver allows you to drive with your mind

Imagine getting behind the wheel of your car, and no hands were required on the wheel.

This is the technology of BrainDriver which is under development at Freie Universität Berlin by professor Raul Rojas. BrainDriver uses a head cap with 16 sensors that allow the driver to have control over the wheel.

This is electroencephalography in action, and it is technology that is getting better every day. We have reported on computers that can do this, and all BrainDriver does is create a system for guiding the steering wheel. There’s a video after the jump so you can see how it works. You will note that they aren’t testing this on the real road with real traffic yet.

You’ll also notice that the driver seems quite young. The first thing I thought was “I am surprised he has his license”. Speaking of thoughts, I’m not certain whether or not thought driving is such a good idea. I mean, when I drive, I think an action and then I do it. This Braindriver had better be able to discern when I am thinking about making a turn and when I definitely want to make a turn.

However, if this young guy can figure it out, then I think I could probably figure it out. I guess it would be like having a limo with my brain as a driver. Perhaps this is just one stepping stone in our goal of completely autonomous vehicles.

Source...

Read more »

Agility Saietta R Bike

Electric vehicles seem to be all the rage these days, so you might be interested to ride into the sunset with the Agility Saietta R Bike – a cool looking two-wheeler that looks as though it comes from the future. Of course, the £13,570 price tag is not going to make it appealing to everybody at first glance, but hear me out as I list down what’s so great about this.

First of all, you need not worry about traffic jams since you can always zip yourself around town on this, squeezing between cars to get from point A to point B within the fastest time possible. Apart from that, you don’t have to cram yourself into public transport like you’re part of a sardine tin, and best of all is, the spare seat behind is perfect for you to pick up chicks (if you’re single, of course) as it looks totally hot.

With the Saietta R’s electric motor in action, all the bulk associated with how a standard bike should look like has been removed, and hence the shape and model have evolved to resemble something from the future. This lightweight and environmentally-friendly dream ride might not glow like something out of Tron, but it will still turn heads around and eyes green as you cruise down the street on this.

Read more »