Cambridge University center to examine potential threat posed by artificial intelligence

The UK's prestigious University of Cambridge is to play host to a new center where experts will analyze the possible dangers of advanced artificial intelligence. Founded by philosophy professor Huw Price, cosmology professor Martin Rees, and Skype co-founder Jann Tallinn, the university says its Center for the Study of Existential Risk is set to open on campus next year. While acknowledging the far-fetched nature of a HAL 9000-style AI rebellion, Price told the AP that "it seems a reasonable prediction that some time in this or the next century intelligence will escape from the constraints of biology."
[Source: The Verge]

Game of Thrones Season Two Blu-ray set arrives February 19th

While waiting for season three of Game of Thrones to start airing March 31st, fans of HBO's series will be able to snag the second season on Blu-ray February 19th. Even if you've already seen it (whether on TV, via a borrowed HBO login or...other sources) there should be some new elements with Blu-ray exclusive "HBO Select" features including an interactive "War of the 5 Kings" guide to keep track of who is doing what / where / when, animated histories, in-episode guides with more information on characters (like the iPad companion app did) as they appear and "dragon egg" surprises. Check the press release after the break for a full account of features, or hit Amazon to preorder the 7-disc set (w/ digital copies) for $55.99.

[Source: Engadget]

Google's 'gallery for everyone' lets you take over Times Square, say thank you for...

What would be a neat trick to round off a perfect holiday with friends, family, and -- if you're lucky -- some bargain-priced tech? How about getting your smug, contented face up on the screens in Times Square? Not got the big corporate budget? No worries, as Google's here to pick up the tab as part of a Chromebook promotion, and possibly make it happen for you. Submit a picture at the source link, along with a snappy "For... " caption, and you could find yourself, your mom, your cat, or football team up there for all to see. We were going to submit one of our own, but, well y'know, we're still wearing the t-shirt.
[Source: Engadget]

CinemaNow adds Ultraviolet support to some of its movies

Bestbuy's CinemaNow has started to embed UltraViolet content into their video-streaming service. It's no huge surprise -- given that the retailer is a founding member of DECE -- but a good sign for anyone shoring up a collection of discs with UV digital content. CinemaNow identified compatible content with an Ultraviolet icon (seen above), while the service continues to gradually upgrade its SD content to big-screen friendly full HD. According to some early users, there's some teething issues with links to UV versions, however, suggesting CinemaNow's still tweaking the setup.

[Source: Engadget]

Sharp unveils bright, 90-inch LCD for uncannily life-sized signage

It would be a shame if Sharp kept that giant 90-inch AQUOS TV confined to living rooms, wouldn't it? The company is inclined enough to agree that it's building an industrial version, the PN-R903, for digital signs. Its 1080p resolution and local-dimming LEDs are as familiar as a well-worn pair of shoes, but that 6-foot, 8-inch width lets Sharp claim a record for public spaces: the R903 is supposedly the first LCD sign with its technology that can display average humans at real size when tilted to a portrait view, making it an ideal fit for fashion or most anything where one-for-one scale matters. The 700cd/m2 brightness helps by keeping the picture visible in harsher lighting. If you're not quite ready for the uncanny valley, you'll be glad to know that the R903 won't ship until January 28th, when it goes on sale with open pricing. Those who'd still prefer something less imposing can buy a 60-inch PN-R603 at the same time or wait for the 70-inch PN-R703 to grace storefronts on February 25th.

[Source: Engadget]

Google brings indoor maps to desktop web browsers

It may not be quite as practical as the mobile version if you find yourself lost in the mall this holiday season, but those looking to plan their shopping route ahead of time can now finally take advantage of Google's indoor maps in their desktop web browser. That new addition, just rolled out today, does come with a bit of a catch, though: the desktop version of indoor maps is only offering the main floor of buildings for the time being, with no word yet on when the ability to view additional levels will be added (something that can currently be done in the Android app). Of course, the availability of indoor maps is still quite a bit more limited than some of Google's other map offerings, but it does now include over 10,000 floor plans in a number of different countries.

[Source: Engadget]

Google Now awarded Popular Science's Innovation of the Year

Popular Science has given Google Now its "Innovation of the Year" award, putting it alongside past winners like the Large Hadron Collider, the Toyota Prius and the Mars Curiosity Rover. It's august company to be sure, and the reasoning behind the decision is that it's "the first virtual assistant that truly anticipates your needs." The service has grown quite a bit since its initial launch -- from personalized recommendations to public safety alerts and the addition of a pedometer, it seems that these are early days yet for the context- and location-aware app. Hit the Android G+ source link to read a Q&A between PopSci and part of the Google Now team to get some behind-the-scenes insight of the award-winning service.

[Source: Engadget]

Chrome OS developer update adds extended desktop support

Google issued an update this week for the developer edition of Chrome OS, which adds extended display support via HDMI or VGA. Chromebooks packing A15 and Intel Celeron processors are said to fit the bill, while older machines such as the Cr-48 may experience a few hangups. The Dev Channel update also brings a newer version of Flash and Intelligent Window positioning, which automatically organizes your content displayed. If you'd like to go hands-on with these new features before they make their official debut, you'll need to switch your Chromebook over to the Developer Channel. This can be done by toggling: Menu, Settings, Help, More Info and then selecting the Dev Channel option. However, if patience is your strong suit and you prefer to wait for a certified stable release, at least you now know what lies ahead.

[Source: Engadget]

David Attenborough's Galapagos 3D begins airing New Year's Day in the UK on Sky 3D

The long nights, relentless Christmas adverts and brisk chill in the air are all signs the year is coming to an end, and what better way to see in the next than with British documentary legend Sir David Attenborough? The first episode of his new three-part natural history series Galapagos 3D, written and presented by the man himself, will be airing New Year's Day on Sky 3D in the UK. Like most of his projects, it's sure to be a stunning visual treat that'll make you forget about even the worst of New Year hangovers. So, don't forget to stoke the fire, switch on your 3D TV, and enjoy an educational tour of the Galapagos Islands to start off your 2013.

[Source: Engadget]

Instagram Badges are now available, because your web profile deserves the love

It's a minor move, but the app that never even acknowledged the desktop world until recently is taking its first notable step to promote Web Profiles. Instagramhas today launched Badges, which are intended to help users "link to and promote one's Instagram web profile." Sure, designers with the right skill set have been able to do similar for some time, but now it's easy. Just surf over to your web profile, hit your username and select 'Badges' from the drop down menu. And just like that, you'll be on your way to adding yet another little icon to your About.me page -- not like things weren't crowded enough with Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Flickr, Google+, Tumblr, Formspring and Foursquare already.

[Source: Engadget]

Lovefilm signs deal with DHX Media to stream 2,000 children's TV shows

Lovefilm has already had a streaming video selection for kids, but a new deal could patch up what few content holes are left. Amazon's UK service has signed a pact with DHX Media that gives it access to about 2,000 shows spread across the decades, including well-known back catalog titles like Dennis the Menace and more recent shows like Mona the Vampire. All of the expanded library is immediately available to watch for subscribers; that said, we'll admit to being more than a little predisposed towards Inspector Gadget as a first choice.

[Source: Engadget]