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Where's the bug? AI pinpoints and explains flaws in smart contracts

Smart contracts are computer programs that run on blockchains and carry out agreements automatically, like a vending machine that releases a product once payment is made. Today they power cryptocurrency payments, online lending ...

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A blueprint for future quantum computer software

In the future, quantum computers could solve complex problems where today's computers fall short, for example, in the development of new materials or supply-chain planning. To date, however, the systems have been prone to ...

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AI builds custom decision-making software in about an hour instead of months

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) framework that automates the creation of complex decision-making software, cutting development time ...

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Cloud-based platform pinpoints delays across complex autonomous-driving software

Autonomous-driving systems must process large volumes of sensor data and generate vehicle-control commands within strict time limits. As vehicles increasingly become software-defined, their development often involves multiple ...

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Video games could make us better people

Addiction, violence, aggression, social withdrawal: Video games have been in the crosshairs for a litany of negative impacts. Researchers at Macquarie University, however, are working on the premise that video games can have ...

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How randomness tames vast network problems

Networks are everywhere. They connect computers across the internet, carry electricity through power grids and represent transport routes for moving people and goods. Yet many problems that appear to have nothing to do with ...

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Driverless cars race wheel to wheel in Europe for first time

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), UAE technology company K2 and autonomous systems specialist Alp Autonomy have won the world's first multi-car autonomous race held in Europe after their joint entry, ...

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New system recognizes masked faces using eyes and forehead

A face-recognition system that can identify people even if they are wearing a face mask covering their nose and mouth is discussed in the International Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics. The new system uses biometrics ...

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Facebook launches app for livestream gaming

Facebook on Monday launched a standalone gaming app, allowing users to create and watch livestreams of games in a challenge to the Amazon-owned Twitch platform.

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Zoom rolls out new measures as security fears mount

Videoconferencing platform Zoom is rolling out a number of measures meant to stem criticism over how it has handled security as users flock to the application during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Public trust key, EU insists, in developing virus apps

The European Union is urging its 27 member countries to make the use of mobile telephone tracing apps voluntary and to apply similar standards to ensure that national systems can work together in fighting the spread of the ...

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As more work from home, Dell unveils new BIOS shield

As millions of employees are suddenly working from home, computer security threats are on the rise. The sudden rush to set up home offices means many users working on insufficiently protected devices are exposing businesses ...

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EU looks to apps as way of easing virus lockdown

As the EU's economy reels from virus lockdowns, Brussels unveiled a proposed roadmap on Wednesday to ease restrictions on life and businesses, relying in large part on smartphone tracking apps.

Software

Google introduces braille keyboard for Android

Google released a built-in virtual Braille keyboard for blind and visually impaired users last week. The new TalkBack keyboard was enabled Thursday on devices running Android 5.0 or later. Distribution will continue throughout ...

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Apple, Google to harness phones for virus infection tracking

Apple and Google fueled hopes for digital technology's promise against a fast-moving, invisible killer, announcing a joint effort to help public health agencies worldwide leverage smartphones to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Game developers level up as COVID pushes people home

With many stuck in their homes as cities around the world try to reduce transmission of COVID-19, people are turning to games as a way to communicate, create a sense of community in the virtual world, and stave off boredom.