October Software News Roundup
In this software news roundup, learn about the launch of SecureDrop, the online whistle-blowing platform of Internet activist Aaron Swartz; new software that helps the blind perform yoga correctly; and how GE and Boeing are teaming up to create code that prevents ice buildup in airplane engines.
Internet Activist Aaron Swartz’s SecureDrop Platform Launches
Internet activist Aaron Swartz’s tragic suicide last January caused many to reflect on the young programmer's contributions to both the web (CNN reports that “Swartz co-wrote the RSS specification”) and the never-ending debate on Internet privacy.
Even in his absence, however, Swartz’s impact continues to be felt as this week saw the launch of SecureDrop, a new online platform that allows potential whistleblowers to leak information to media outlets without fear of repercussions.
From the Freedom of the Press Foundation:
Originally created by Swartz in partnership with investigative reporter Kevin Poulsen, SecureDrop is a Python application that accepts messages and documents from the web and encrypts them for secure storage. Each source who uses the platform is assigned a unique codename that lets the source establish a relationship with the news organization without having to reveal her real identity or resort to e-mail.
Ars Technica says that Swartz coded the platform, which went “through a 'detailed security audit' (PDF) by a team from the University of Washington, which also included Bruce Schneier and Jacob Appelbaum (Tor developer and renowned security researcher).”
New Software Helps the Blind Practice Yoga
Good news for the millions suffering from poor vision who wish to practice yoga. The Times of India reports that scientists from the University of Washington created a software program that works with Microsoft’s Kinect motion-tracking software to monitor a person's movements during a yoga pose and provide helpful feedback via a human voice.
From the Times of India:
The Kinect first checks a person's core and suggests alignment changes, then moves to the head and neck area, and finally the arms and legs. It also gives positive feedback when a person is holding a pose correctly.
The technology uses simple geometry and the law of cosines to calculate angles created during yoga.
According to Geekwire, researchers Kyle Rector, Cynthia Bennett, and Julie Kientz want to “make the software available online, so those interested can download the program straight to their Kinect.”
New Software to Prevent Ice Buildup in Airplane Engines
For all of you out there who suffer from aerophobia, here’s a bit of news that might bring down your level of anxiety. Bloomberg News reports that both General Electric (GE) and Boeing are working together on "software to help prevent ice buildup in engines on the newest 747 jumbo jet after four planes lost thrust at cruising altitude in a three-month span this year."
Aviation Week expands on the news and describes how “software changes to the GEnx-2B full authority digital engine control unit are designed to help the engine itself detect the presence of ice crystals when the aircraft is flying through a convective weather system.”
