Google adjusts search to restrict “content farms”

Search giant Google has adjusted its famously secretive algorithms to push so-called “content farms” further down the lists of results that users see.

“This update is designed to reduce rankings for low-quality sites - sites which are low-value add for users, copy content from other websites or sites that are just not very useful,” said Google fellow Amit Singhal in a blog posted on Thursday night.

“At the same time, it will provide better rankings for high- quality sites - sites with original content and information such as research, in-depth reports, thoughtful analysis and so on.” Analysts said the move would likely have the greatest impact on companies like Demand Media, Associated Content and Suite 101, which generally produce content that is gleaned from other sites and which is primarily designed to appear high on frequently searched-for terms. News of the changes sent shares of Demand Media tumbling early on Friday, but the company said the move had not adversely affected its status.

“As might be expected, a content library as diverse as ours saw some content go up and some go down in Google search result,” executive vice president of media and operations Larry Fitzgibbons said in a blog post.

“It’s impossible to speculate how these or any changes made by Google impact any online business in the long term - but at this point in time, we haven’t seen a material net impact on our Content & Media business.” Singhal said the change noticeably impacts some 12 per cent of Google searches and would be introduced initially in the U.S. before rolling out internationally.

Russia launches Glonass satellite, a boost for India

Russia has successfully launched a next-generation navigation satellite for its Glonass global communication system.

The Glonass-K satellite was hauled into orbit on Saturday morning from the northern Plesetsk space centre by the upgraded Soyuz 2-1b launcher, featuring advanced digital avionics and a more powerful Fregat upper stage. The new satellite has a longer design life, more navigation channels and is smaller than previous Glonass-M spacecraft.

Saturday's launch will increase the deployed Glonass grouping to 23 satellites, one short of the minimum needed to provide 100-per cent global coverage.

In December the launch of three Glonass-M satellites failed when the carrier rocket crashed into the ocean after it was filled with excessive fuel and deviated from course.

Russia plans to launch five Glonass satellites this year to replace the ones that crashed and deploy back-up satellites.

Glonass will be integrated with the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS), as well as with the European Union's Galileo system and China's Compass network when they are deployed. Experts said the use of a two-signal receiver that supports both GPS and Glonass increases reliability by 15 per cent.

Under a 2007 accord, Russia agreed to share the Glonass signal with India. India will be the only country to have access to the military segment of the Glonass system, which will enable the Indian military to greatly improve the accuracy of its land-, sea-, air and space-launched weapon systems. In September the two countries signed a deal to jointly manufacture Glonass/GPS twin system receivers and other navigational equipment.

Oxford Dictionary Adds 'Bloggable,' 'Sexting,' and More

Bloggable neologisms like "tbh" and "sexting" have apparently cyberbullied their way into an Oxford dictionary.


The Oxford Dictionary Online - the modern language counterpart to the traditional Oxford English Dictionary - has added Web 2.0 jargon such as "bloggable," "cyberbullying," "sexting," "tbh" ("to be honest"),"clickjacking," "scareware," "trackpad," and "fnarr fnarr" to its collection. Typical PCMag vocabulary.

But wait- fnarr fnarr? We had to look this one up. According to its OD entry, fnarr fnarr (pronounced fna fna) is British texting slang for sniggering, usually at a sexual innuendo.

Oxford provides the example: "That's some package! (Said the bishop to the actress, fnarr fnarr)." In America, we'd probably say something like, "That's some package! (That's what she said, LOL)."
Spokeswoman Gabby Fletcher told the The Telegraph, "The rapid development of technology creates multiple new products, services, and functionalities, which all need new terms to describe them. We are also seeing the very fast circulation of new vocabulary on a global basis, with the expansion of social media."
Updated quarterly, the Oxford Dictionary Online features a growing number of tech terms. In August it added "tweetup" (a meeting arranged through Twitter), microblogging (posting short blog entries), and paywall (requiring payment to access online content).

Fiat EYE – Gyroscopically Balanced Vehicle By Dinard Da Mata

Designed for the Fiat, the “EYE” by Brazilian designer Dinard da Mata is a compact personal vehicle based on Segway technology that allows a stable, swift and sustainable ride on city-roads. Running on an electric propulsion system, the gyroscopically balanced vehicle also includes sensor technology and control software to ensure perfect controls. Including the voice command and biometric reading sensors, the personal mobility concept eliminates the physical occupancy of the rider to offer a comfortable and controlled ride, while presenting a clear view of the surroundings. Opening the door like the cockpit of a fighter jet, the futurist vehicle shifts gear and trigger other mechanisms on verbal commands of the driver.

KNIGHT – Next Generation Hybrid SportCar by Behzad Hormoz

Knight by Iranian designer Behzad Hormoz is a next generation sports car that makes an eco friendly statement with its menacing no nonsense looks and great technical specs. The aggressively designed sports car features a mid mounted 550hp engine and with a low weight body made of aluminum. The concept’s excellent aerodynamics imbibed in its striking design with sharp and curvy looks seems set to pose a challenge to supreme cars like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston martin. The concepts’ roof has been made from special glass to help driver enjoy the environment he drives in.

Tube Combines The Personal Vehicles With Public Transportation

Increasing number of persona vehicles causing messy jams has just stranded the city roads, and not to talk about the environmental pollution. Addressing the issue, the “Tube” is an innovative commutation concept that combines the personal and public vehicles to make cities a better place for the residents. Comprised of three main elements, including a high-speed (160km/h) rail network, peripheral parking structures and a subscription service, the new transport system commutes passengers within built-up urban areas without the need of personal vehicles. For the system includes monocycles, parked in 9-meter tall vertical structures placed on the outskirts of the city. Measuring 700 mm in width, the monocycle accommodates two passengers in comfort to move around the city. And when not in use, the monocycles can be transported using the high-speed train from one station to another.

Volkswagen Inside Zero-emission Concept Car By Mate Bartha

The following car aims to do the following things, all at once: provide a new luxury experience and a new way of driving. Be a family car OR a personal car at any given time. Be a smart solution for the everyday tasks of the owner. Be a space for relaxation – a part of people’s living space. This is the “Volkswagen Inside.” A new luxury concept for Volkswagen, by designer Mate Bartha. A transformable luxury electric car, customizable for 4 person, 2 person, or 1 person use in seconds.


The top of the car is a large glass surface, sort of like an extension of what we know now as the sunroof. Relaxing is what is it. Smooth, dynamic lines fill the Inside, four electric wheel engines roll it along. These electric wheel engines are based on Michelins Active Wheel System, using Nanowire Lithium-Ion batteries.

Instead of just a steering wheel, all the controls to the car are attached to the driver seat, working on a drive by wire system. The car can transform from a normal, everyday 4 seat car to a 1 seater, with the driver sitting in the center of the vehicle. Comfortable and simplified.