21st Century Innovative Technologies and Developments as also discoveries, curiosity ( insolite)...

Proponents of artificial intelligence (AI) hail the advances in the ability of machines to make independent decisions based on an analysis on the environment as the next step in machine intelligence – and claim that it will revolutionize complex problem solving across a wide spectrum of human endeavor. The simplest definition of AI is that of an ‘intelligent’ machine that exhibits all the attributes of a flexible, rational agent that perceives its environment and makes decisions – and in many instances takes actions that maximize the chances of success when engaged in a particular task. If one looks at a popular definition, Artificial Intelligence machines mimic human cognitive function. They can learn and solve problems.

One of the oldest and most well accepted tests on whether a machine exhibits true AI is the Turing Test. Machine AI can pass the 65-year-old Turing Test if the computer is mistaken for a human more than 30% of the time during a series of five-minute keyboard conversations. In 2014, a computer program called Eugene Goostman, which simulates a 13-year-old Ukrainian boy, is said to have passed the Turing test at an event organized by the University of Reading.

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Snap Inc., the Snapchat-maker's new name, hasn't said exactly when Spectacles will go on sale but we know they will be priced at $129.99. 

While that's still a decent chunk of change, as far as wearables go, it's pretty reasonable. It's less than many wrist-worn wearables like Fitbit's $149.95 Charge 2 tracker, and significantly cheaper than other glasses products. When Google Glass launched in 2013, it cost $1,500. 

Granted, Spectacles isn't an augmented reality product, as many thought it might be, and the fact that it's primarily a camera helps keep the cost down. But, with wireless charging along with Wi-FI and Bluetooth connectivity, it's not exactly light on features either. 

The right price point could make all the difference for Snap Inc., which is just starting to branch out into products beyond its flagship app. Given that the app is most popular among young users, making Spectacles too expensive could prove to be disastrous for the company.

And while it's still too early to tell if Spectacles will be a success for the company, at least we know the cost won't be holding many people back.

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Snapchat is the only company cool enough to possibly dismantle the Google Glass stigma. Awkward, useless, and a threat to privacy are how many think of computers you wear on your face. Can Snapchat show off the masterful marketing and smooth execution required to produce a product that won’t die on stores shelves or in a desk drawer?

To quickly recount the basics, a video of Snapchat’s new camcorder sunglasses leaked last night. Business Insider reported it, so the company rushed out the news with a Wall Street Journal piece that was planned for Monday.

Snapchat is renaming its corporate self to Snap Inc, and launching its $130 Spectacles this fall in limited release. They’ll be one-size-fits all in black, teal, or coral colors. Spectacles let you tap the glasses’ rim to instantly record 10 seconds of video, three taps to record a maximum of 30 seconds, with a light on the front alerting people you’re recording.

The video is captured with an 115-degree wide view lens in a circular format that can be watched full-screen on a phone in any orientation. The video is stored on the device and can be wirelessly offloaded to a phone over Wifi or Bluetooth so users can edit and share via Snapchat later. Spectacles’ battery should last a day, and you can get up to four full recharges from the portable charging case.

It seems like it was ages ago that Google Glass was the future that nobody wanted. The wearable tech had at least one bad design flaw—it seemed to get its early adopters punched in the face because people didn’t like the camera being pointed at them. Now, Snapchat thinks people are finally ready for glasses-mounted personal recording devices.

Snapchat is betting that it wasn’t so much the fear of being assaulted that killed Google Glass; it’s just that people didn’t want to pay $1500 for the privilege. The millennial-approved social network is jumping into the hardware game with its $130 “Spectacles.” Rather than trying to do everything a smartphone can, the frames will simply focus on looking “stylish” and recording 10-second bursts of circular video.

The glasses feature a fish-eye lens that captures videos at an 115-degree angle, which is closer to the eyes’ natural field of view. The user taps a button on the hinge, a ring of lights indicate to strangers that they are being filmed and a short clip is recorded. (Good luck with that.) The footage is then automatically pushed to Snapchat memories.