Alan Addison, Author at scouk.net

9th January 2020

The Age of A.I. on YouTube

By Alan Addison in Blog, Tech Tag Robert Downy Jr, The Age of A.I., YouTube

Slowly working my way through “The age of AI” YouTube series.
Just watched episode 2 which is quite a powerful one. The fact that Tony Stark (Sorry, Robert Downey Jr.) Narrates this show isn’t creepy at all. In fact it’s very fitting.

By far one of the best tech documentaries I’ve seen in a long time.

As a Computer Scientist I’m really interested in seeing technology being used to help us in everyday life. The idea of taking data and applying algorithms to create software systems and machine learning to help humanity is what I enjoy.

Forget the scaremongering of media and Hollywood about computers taking over the world. This series takes us the real use of technology to help us, rather than rule us.

Real technology is not about getting more likes or subscriptions on social media Or even how many cameras you can fit on a mobile phone.
This series relates to my view of technology in that it’s not for showing off, but rather it’s for helping us get through everyday lives that little bit easier.. Which is my the majority of tech in my home is hidden away yet accessible at anytime, anywhere. It’s here, not to take over our lives, but rather it’s there to help us improve research, health and well being.

We hear so much about the big tech companies stealing and storing data. Those naughty tech companies! But these big companies are the ones leading or supporting some amazing research projects happening behind the scenes that the majority of people never see or hear of. These companies are in fact using technology to help improve our way of life. This is a side we rarely hear about. All we seem to hear about is the nasty data collectors.

I trust the technology. I just wish it was maybe a little more predictable and reliable at times 🙂 But it’s still light-years ahead of where it was 50, 25 or even 5 years ago!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjq6DwYksrzz_fsWIpPcf6V7p2RNAneKc

1st December 2019

Testing Microsoft xCloud

By Alan Addison in Blog, Tech Tag gaming, Microsoft, moto g5, xcloud

Initial impressions? Quite impressive considering what it’s doing, but not good enough yet to replace local gaming console/pc yet.

As somewhat expected, there is a delay between controller action and game response. Seems to be about 0.5-1.0 second delay. 🙁 Was even bigger on a older android tablet I have.

Looking around, it seems the host device is critical. I was testing mostly with a Motorola G5 Plus. Not the latest and greatest phone I admit but it was enough to show the potential if the delay can be sorted out. I would imagine if this was played on a PC this would be much better!

Now if they can eventually get it down to running through something like a google chromecast or some sort of cheap streaming xCloud dongle that plugs into HDMI on your TV.

Not bad considering what it’s doing, but not good enough yet to replace local gaming console/pc yet.

16th October 2019

Subaru Leaving the BTCC

By Alan Addison in Blog, Subaru Tag btcc, levorg, subaru

Sad to see Subaru leaving the BTCC. T’Was a force to be reckoned ever since the first season with Ash Sutton at the wheel! Despite trying to penalise it by restricting power and adding weight for being too quick!

But since the boxer engine in a smaller car (Impreza?) Would somehow not meet new regulations it’s bye bye 🙁

… Ok let’s face it, the car had an unfair advantage due to the low center of gravity. Not cheating just naturally better weight distribution for Motorsport, and for on the road driving!