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Comment: Valueless? (Score 4, Insightful) 221

by Nialin (#46468073) Attached to: The Future of Cryptocurrencies
Every time I see/hear someone mention "[X] has no value!" I feel like I have to remind them of the subjectivity of value. Robert Heinlein, I feel, provided the best interpretation:


-Lt. Col. Jean V. Dubois (Ret.), pp. 93-94 [Starship Troopers]

Comment: Re: Plastic Discs (Score 1) 418

But what happens when they require you to have a propriety DVD player that reads only Disney films (or other Media Corp IP), like region coding? That won't be an issue as the physical copies distribution platform is dying a slow death, however. Digital Rights Management is instead taking over, and still pushing the same old practices. Proprietary hardware/software that permits only specific media to be played is already in use (see: Amazon, iTunes, Xbox One, Steam, etc.). Then there's the fact that people in other countries are unable to watch Game of Thrones the day it comes out as it does for the USA, as well as the fact that it's the most pirated television show. This further illustrates the issue.

Comment: Re:No (Score 2, Insightful) 342

by Nialin (#42183747) Attached to: Cops To Congress: We Need Logs of Americans' Text Messages
Your phone doesn't record and retain your voice calls, if it did, you bet your sweet ass they'd be going after a more lengthy history of voice communiques.

It's default that most phones save messages, and because it's convenient for a large majority of users. Due to this, phones record innumerable amounts of texts; smartphones especially.

Change how the phone works, and you change the expectation of content delivery, archival, and investigation.

Comment: Re:Prior Art (Score 2) 64

by Nialin (#39431623) Attached to: Camera Can See Around Corners
Personally, I'd rather just see the technology improve so that the image is more accurate, which seems likely.

The 2 picosecond resolution is obviously the limitation here; just like that of a camera with a 240p resolution, or a low Frames Per Second. The faster a camera like this is able to collect reflected data, the better the overall quality.

Just think of the implications for photography and cinematography! Michael Bay would have a field day with this shit. And then someone with talent could actually make a good movie, too, but you know, whatever...

The future looks rather interesting, albeit vague, with this tech. And it's just around the corner.


Comment: Re:What!? (Score 2) 267

by Nialin (#39341501) Attached to: Marketing Agency Uses Homeless As Wi-Fi Hotspots
Couldn't agree more.

Unfortunately, this comment will likely be buried, but I would LOVE to be a part of this.

I'm currently homeless (in LA) and I'm always trying to find decent hotspots that are free, or at the very least require very little monetary investment. If I were walking around as a mobile hotspot, I would never have to worry about it. To top it off, I could get paid by others to do the very same thing!

I understand that there is some concern as to whether or not this is some form of slavery or taking advantage of those who are in a not-so-ideal situation. To me, it sounds like an innovative capitalistic idea. Nothing wrong with that, right? There are a lot of homeless people in this country, why not incorporate their mobility (yet relative stationary position) with something desired by those with a bit more capital?

I've witnessed and conversed with a smorgasbord of varied homeless persons, and many are simply just not in a good position; be it the consequences of an ill-conceived action, or a matter of circumstance. Yes, there are those who prefer to be homeless (to a degree, I fit that category, there's quite a bit of freedom in it, and I'm doing something of an experiment on myself...going well so far, considering), some whose brains are fried due to excessive drug use, or are mentally unfit for integration into current society...those may or may not be fit for this program, but it evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

I see that the best way to determine who is most likely to create a synergistic profit margin is via interview. Most people I've talked to who are not homeless are flabbergasted at the fact that I'm without abode, and are generally surprised at my ability to articulate my words. Yet, here I am. I have no intention of imbibing drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol (social drinker), so I feel that I would be a perfect candidate for this program. I'm certain there are plenty of others out there who would not abuse the extra finances garnered from this program.

I can actually see a future in such a methodology. However, instead of utilizing only the homeless, use anyone willing to take on the task. Just like those advertisements that people wrap on their car, I'm sure people would take advantage of getting paid to provide internet to nearby patrons.


Comment: Re:Stupid (Score 1) 46

by Nialin (#37319984) Attached to: Kinect Based Whole Building Breakout
Like you, I had hoped for more. Despite the summary and any visual proof, I still find the whole "bouncing off the architecture" less than exhilarating. Walking past it, I would likely have a double take and watch for maybe a few minutes.

What I had in mind was something like a crossover over of 2 different games:

* Ricochet - Breakout style game play with a better aesthetic
* Curve Ball - 3D-styled Pong

Those two ideas combined with the idea of destroying a building would be kind of cool. Now exactly sure how it would play out, but I'll leave that to the Engineers.

Long computations which yield zero are probably all for naught.