DARPA develops machine that can detect threats

As technology companies struggle to find the best way to incorporate augmented reality technology into new products, the U.S.’s Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) is taking augmented reality to a new level. DARPA is a division of the Department of Defense, responsible for the research and development of new technologies. The agency has been behind most of the technological advances that have been seen in the U.S. over the past several decades and has made a name for itself in its focus on future technology and fringe sciences. With an astonishing technological pedigree, the agency has now set its sights on augmented reality.

Machine reads visual information from the brain to predict possible threats

DARPA has created a machine that is capable of scanning the human brain and tag visual events before they reach the level of consciousness. This machine is part of the agency’s Cognitive Technology Threat Warning System, and is meant to serve as an early warning device in war. The project’s ultimate goal is to provide warfighters with the ability to accurately and reliable predict threats that may be facing soldiers. The endeavor is based on the premise of linking the brain with technology.

P-300 brainwave the subject of DARPA research

DARPA researchers suggest that the brain is capable of detecting threats before a person actually registers what the brain is trying to tell them. When the brain detects a threat, it releases the P-300 brainwave, a signal that is believed to stimulate evaluation and categorization of events and a person’s surroundings. DARPA’s machine can track this brainwave and decipher what it is trying to accomplish and why. Researchers then claim this information can be reflected as visual data.

DARPA takes augmented reality away from its traditional definition

Researchers have taken to likening the process to augmented reality, though admit that the traditional definition of augmented reality is not necessarily fitting. For lack of a better term, however, it will have to suffice. DARPA’s work in this field could well unlock a future of augmented reality that has only been touched upon in fiction.

Snapdeal has released a new “brand stores” concept for mobile businesses.

India’s largest online shopping site, Snapdeal, has just announced the launch of its “brand stores” concept, which will give retailers the opportunity to create their own e- and mcommerce store on the company’s site.

This is expected to boost sales by 50 percent over the next year.

The company has set a goal of approximately $120 million (Rs 600 crore) in revenue for its current fiscal year. However, at the same time, it has high hopes for its mcommerce results, believing that about half of the purchases that will be made on the website will have been made through the mobile platform within the upcoming two years.

The Snapdeal brand store works to help many offline and local retailers to step into mcommerce.

It gives those businesses the opportunity to reach the rapidly growing number of online shoppers. According to the CEO and founder of Snapdeal.com, Kunal Bahl, “Brands will be able to decide the look and feel of their page, customise product selection, manage promotions and exclusive launches.”

Though the companies will be able to take part in the brand stores part of the website for free, according to Bahl, there will be a revenue-share model that will be based upon the sale of the goods.

Currently, there are approximately 3,000 businesses that are already taking part in the brand stores element of the Snapdeal website. The company is also in negotiations with around 2,000 more businesses, which they hope will “be onboard soon.” Bahl stated that “We plans to have 10,000 brand stores in the next 12 months.”

Snapdeal is viewing the brand stores as a concept that brings with it a very large opportunity in both e- and mcommerce. Bahl added that he believes that the concept will only continue to grow, and with it, innovations will build alongside. He stated that a number of brands, including those that are quite big, have not yet established their own online presence. Many don’t have the capability or the in-house expertise for the back end operations of such a venture, such as the payment requirements and the logistics. It is in this space that the company is hoping to make the biggest mark.