Hackers create tools for disaster relief

Google, Microsoft and Yahoo may be tough competitors when it comes to Internet software and services, but they are putting their differences aside to build a developer community to tackle bigger picture problems like saving lives in emergencies, writes CNet.

The companies have joined with Nasa, the World Bank and PR agency SecondMuse to organise the first Random Hacks of Kindness event, which was held at a warehouse-space-cum-community-centre called Hacker Dojo this weekend.

For two days, coders worked on ways to use technology to help solve real-world problems, such as how people can get information and find each other during disasters.