Ad Astra

Leicester Square webcam (view from the cinema)

Leicester Square webcam #2 (view from Radisson Hotel)

Using virtual reality goggles, a camera and a stick, Scientists have induced out-of-body experiences (OOBE: the sensation of drifting outside of one’s own body). This is excellent training for Laboratory Assistants who are unfamiliar with the Virtual Web - and might eventually be extended to the general public

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Overview of a CCTV control centre.

A warning to anyone who uses “smartphones”

http://spymobile.in/index.html

There is a similar problem with iphones - via the metasploit hack

And - of course - all cellphone users should be aware of the facilities offered by the numerous UK companies that offer passive location services eg: MobileLocate

Bottom Line: Your mobile phone can spy on you and your conversations (online or just in the same room).  It can tell someone where you are - even take photos without your knowledge or permission

The US agency DARPA has been researching techniques for “augmenting” insects for nearly 2 years

see here for the official tender - specifying the desired capabilities

“the delivery of an insect within five meters of a specific target located at hundred meters away, using electronic remote control, and/or global positioning system”.

Once at the target, DARPA says, “the insect must remain stationary either indefinitely or until otherwise instructed … [and] must also be able to transmit data from [Department of Defense] relevant sensors … include[ing] gas sensors, microphones, video, etc.”
Gizmodo has pictures of a cyborg moth here

The implantation technique involves inserting the relevant microchips into the pupa of the insect - which has the capability to grow ‘around’ foreign objects

This machine/insect combination avoids many of the problems involved with micro UAV (Unmanned Air Vehicle) design. It simply uses an existing (and highly efficient) framework to transport a sensor payload.

There has been speculation about weaponizing the design - perhaps with ‘tailored’ viruses.