Boston Dynamics creates some of the most incredible robots on the planet. From the company’s back-flipping biped to the four-legged dog-bot that Jeff Bezos hangs out with, you’ve probably seen videos of its robots completing feats of agility under extraordinary circumstances. But what happens when a robot gets sick and tired of being kicked, pushed, and forced to work under extreme conditions in the name of robustness testing? Revenge is what happens. Hard Fork! Hard Fork? Hard Fork As you may have guessed, the “Bosstown Dynamics” video is a parody. It was made by a VFX crew called Corridor Digital with a knack for making funny videos featuring really cool special effects. One of the creators, in a behind-the-scenes video, stated the impetus for the parody came from seeing roboticists demonstrate their machines’ resilience to interference: You guys have seen these Boston Dynamics videos where there’s like a mechanical dog walking and then … [Read more...] about Hilarious robot revenge video parodies Boston Dynamics
AMD says its Ryzen 3000 isn’t just cheaper—it’s better
AMD's new line of Ryzen 3000 desktop CPUs will benefit from the same 7nm manufacturing process as the company's new Navi-powered GPUs. Much of the tech community's hype is for the biggest and baddest of the bunch: the 16-core, 32-thread Ryzen 9 3950x. But there's an entire new line ranging from the $499 3950x down to a relatively-modest $199 3600X—and AMD is gunning for Intel every step of the way. I don’t think there’s any reason people would buy an Intel processor after we [launch the Ryzen 3000 line].Travis Kirsch, AMD Client Product Management Director What's really interesting is, this time around, AMD is not just pitching cheaper parts and "good-enough" performance—the company is claiming top-dog stats, along with thermal and power efficiency wins. The Ryzen 9 3700x is listed at $329, while Intel's i7-9700k is currently available for about $410. But according to AMD's slides, the Ryzen part also outperforms the i7-9700k across the board, and it draws … [Read more...] about AMD says its Ryzen 3000 isn’t just cheaper—it’s better
The 5G iPhone is coming in 2020, says this trusted analyst
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is the most trusted source of Apple rumors — once predicting that that the company would sell three different iPhones well over a year before that came true. Now, he’s betting that we’ll see the first 5G iPhones in 2020, despite the fact that Apple’s original 5G modem supplier is no longer making them anymore, according to MacRumors and 9to5Mac. You see, we’d already heard that Apple might have a 5G iPhone by 2020, but it was slated to use an Intel radio chip — something which we’ve since learned won’t be happening, because Apple chose to go with Qualcomm instead, forcing Intel to close up shop. Apple agreed to settle all its pending lawsuits with Qualcomm and spent at least $4.5 billion to secure the chipmaker’s cooperation for the sake of the iPhone’s future. That left us with some big questions, including when we might see the first 5G iPhone now that Apple has to scramble to swap out its Intel radios. … [Read more...] about The 5G iPhone is coming in 2020, says this trusted analyst
Cartel ex-boss ‘La Tuta’ sentenced to 55 years in Mexico
Associated Press Updated 4:31 pm PDT, Monday, June 17, 2019 FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2015, file photo, Mexican federal police escort who they identify as Servando "La Tuta" Gómez," leader of the Knights Templar cartel, as he sits inside helicopter at a Federal hanger in Mexico City. Mexican authorities said Monday, June 17, 2019 that the former Knights Templar cartel boss has been sentenced to 55 years in prison after he was found responsible for the 2011 kidnapping of a businessman in the city of Uruapan. less FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2015, file photo, Mexican federal police escort who they identify as Servando "La Tuta" Gómez," leader of the Knights Templar cartel, as he sits inside helicopter at a Federal ... more Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, AP Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, AP … [Read more...] about Cartel ex-boss ‘La Tuta’ sentenced to 55 years in Mexico
Police: 4 shot, 3 arrested at Raptors rally in Toronto
Rob Gillies and Ian Harrison Associated Press Published 7:43 PM EDT Jun 17, 2019 Toronto — Gunfire broke out and a stampede ensued as fans celebrated at a rally Monday for the NBA champion Raptors, leaving four people shot and thousands fleeing less than a block from where the players and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sat on stage. Three people were arrested and two guns were recovered, Toronto police said, and investigators did not discuss a possible motive for the attack. Droves of Raptors fans ran from the shooting in a stampede from the City Hall square, which was packed with tens of thousands of people. Earlier Monday, well over a million fans packed downtown Toronto for a parade for the Raptors, raising concerns about safety and overcrowding as the city celebrated its first major sports title in more than a quarter-century. Police Chief Mark Saunders said four people suffered gunshot wounds but said none of the injuries were life-threatening. … [Read more...] about Police: 4 shot, 3 arrested at Raptors rally in Toronto