Bitcoin, NBN update, iMacs & Thunderbolts and a software comp to make the world a better place

With Georgia, Byron, Ryan and Ben

Not into reading? Here's the podcast from the May 18 episode.

Here's what we covered this week

1. This BitCoin thing looks interesting. We're going to keep our eyes on it.
2. NBN launches in Armidale with the PM and other dignitaries present. Also, the CEO of NBN Co. has been a bit naughty. 
3. New iMacs on the market from Apple, specs here. We discussed the new features, talking through the further lock-downs in place on replacement hard-drives etc.
4. Apple and Google are before a US tribunal this week for capturing data quietly. We're interested to see how this plays out. Background here.
5. Some users of Nintendo 3DS are outraged by the terms of service attached to the device. There's a protest underway: more at http://www.defectivebydesign.org/nintendo3ds

Also, Professor Patrick Griffin from the University of Melbourne's Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills (ATC21S) project was our guest on the show this week. He talked to Byte's Rose Paton about a global crowdsourcing challenge to create a software module for the assessment of collaborative problem solving skills in schools. Keen to win $20,000 prize money? Check out the competition here.