Expect 1-4GB USB drives modeled after your favorite Hershey treats along with digital cameras, earphones and speakers shaped like everything from Kisses to Jolly Ranchers. Prices are expected to range from $15 to $30—but there is no word yet on a release date. Needless to say, if you lack willpower, avoid these products at all costs. [Jazwares Gearlog
The answer, even if you do attempt every possible combination, is no. But according to Microsoft Research, there's a way to "solve" the puzzle to within 1%, even if the board had 1000000 bulbs. The funny thing is, the algorithmic solution to the puzzle (originally built by Elwyn Berlekamp in 1960) can be used as a way to bypass brute-force computing in solving problems. The researchers at Microsoft are more interested in that whole thing, but I'm more interested in how some guy got to build this nice electronic board game as part of his day job, just for Show and Tell. Way to go, dude.
Here are the rules, in case you want to make your own home version (Phil Torrone, do you hear me?):
Update: This is also known as the Gale-Berlekamp lightbulb game—I'd hate for poor Mr. or Ms. or Dr. Gale to get left out of the credit. Also, I finally caught up on my Fringe from a few weeks back, and you commenters are totally right. Freaky. Wish I'd seen it beforehand.
Microsoft's TechFest is an annual jamboree of innovation and gadgetry from Microsoft Research, which means that while none of it is coming out as is in products in the near future, it's essentially what product development people use to add cool stuff to their actual releases. I'm here all day.!
The answer, even if you do attempt every possible combination, is no. But according to Microsoft Research, there's a way to "solve" the puzzle to within 1%, even if the board had 1000000 bulbs. The funny thing is, the algorithmic solution to the puzzle (originally built by Elwyn Berlekamp in 1960) can be used as a way to bypass brute-force computing in solving problems. The researchers at Microsoft are more interested in that whole thing, but I'm more interested in how some guy got to build this nice electronic board game as part of his day job, just for Show and Tell. Way to go, dude.
Here are the rules, in case you want to make your own home version (Phil Torrone, do you hear me?):
Update: This is also known as the Gale-Berlekamp lightbulb game—I'd hate for poor Mr. or Ms. or Dr. Gale to get left out of the credit. Also, I finally caught up on my Fringe from a few weeks back, and you commenters are totally right. Freaky. Wish I'd seen it beforehand.
Microsoft's TechFest is an annual jamboree of innovation and gadgetry from Microsoft Research, which means that while none of it is coming out as is in products in the near future, it's essentially what product development people use to add cool stuff to their actual releases. I'm here all day.!
Threat Level says that conspiracy theorists jumped all over the video, which racked up 200,000 views since going up. However, Chronister simply used old cellphone parts and a hot glue gun to push the paranoid and mentally unstable into a state of crisis. However, these tin foil heads aren't resting any easier: they believe pranks like this only create a smoke screen for the government to carry on with their clandestine activity. Who am I to say they're wrong? (Original video below) [Threat Level via BBG]
Burdick was just waiting for his cruise ship to arrive, when he decided to watch the game via his Slingbox (which streams television though an internet signal). Having an unlimited data plan, he thought everything would be peachy-keen. Unfortunately, he connected to the ship's network and, as a result, ran up international roaming charges.
When Burdick complained about the charges despite never leaving the country, AT&T offered to initially reduce the bill down to $6,000. Eventually, through some media attention, the bill was reduced to $220 in charges. Oh yeah—the score was 27-23. [Chicago Sun-Times via The Register]
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