Group items tagged

This article talks about exploration in the Antarctic's ancient glaciers.  NASA is exploring these areas of the world because they are isolated, have not been disturbed, and are similar to conditions on other planets, such as Mars.  NASA's exploration into this glacier discovered some "very hardy bacteria" that was able to survive in this harsh environment.  NASA's robotic submersible could have disrupted this otherwise untouched ecosystem.  This perfect ecosystem also could house bacteria that could be harmful to humans, and was only surviving here, isolated from everything.  NASA's robotic submersible is still disturbing untouched ecosystems, and this could have serious consequences to the species that are surviving there. To keep these ecosystems form being destroyed NASA could use smaller robots to view these ecosystems, similar to the technology that enables doctors to put tiny cameras inside of people.  This could limit the effects of human interference in these unique ecosystems, and it would be better than sending a baseball bat sized camera.

Google, being the innovators and marketers that they are, are working on a new feature which will put Chrome ahead of the pack in the mobile browsing world. Google is using a new data compressing tool to make browsing faster and more reliable. The new technique involves forcing websites to be loaded to Google's proxies. Rather then having the user connect to the individual websites protocols, the user connects to Google's lighting fast server, allowing them to few the web page at a much faster rate. In addition, Google's servers will be made to compress the data of the website, allowing an even faster connection. The Opera browser has a similar feature to this called "Turbo" and it works in a similar way. However, Google may have the upper hand here, as Opera can't compete with Google's size, market, and staying power.

This article informs us on the latest news about Sony's new OLED TVs, which can output in 4K.  4K resolution is the highest resolution possible so far, and Sony wants to be one of the first companies to put a product out on the market with 4K resolution.  Sony's 30-inch 4K OLED prototype is set for a 2014 release date, with the A series monitor available in May.  This 4k technology will either be a break or bust for Sony.  If consumers are interested in 4k technology, then Sony TVs will help the company prosper.  That said, 4k may not be good for Sony. 4K TVs may end up not generating much of a user base, as 1080p is very good, and there is little improvement between that and 4k. Instead of buying these new TVs, people may just stick with their 1080p televisions. Only time will tell.

        It is being reported that the newest Xbox console will have online DRM (Digital Restrictions Management). DRM is technology that puts restrictions on media such as software, games, music, etc. that limits how the buyer is able to use and share the media that he or she bought. This means that the Xbox will always need to have an active internet connection to be able to use the games that you buy, even if the game itself does not require internet connection. The point of this is to prevent to prevent the resale of used games. However, this will mean that people can not share games with eachother, play if the internet goes out or they they do not have the internet at all. This will increase the sale of new games giving the companies more profits. However, this may backfire on Microsoft, as many gamers may not purchase the new console as a form of boycott, reducing Microsoft's profit until the DRM is removed. 

This is a very great report, keep up the great work Spider Man

Uncle Ben would be proud

This is  just another way to hold our electronics when we are "occupied".  This toilet paper holding iPad  stand allows you to view things on your iPad while in the bathroom because the stand holds it. This makes you have your iPad with you at all times. A negative effect would be the stand breaking or falling and the iPad drops into the toilet but it's positive because it will do what it's supposed to do which is hold up your iPad when you are occupied. Although it doesn't make sense as to why you would want to bring something like a tablet to the bathroom, it is something to hold it up when you can't hold the tablet. This may seem efficient for some people but I think it would be more efficient for other use like putting it as a stand but without the toilet paper holder to hold the tablet, but there is no reason why you should bring a tablet of some sort into the bathroom. Some people would like this invention but personally, I find it unnecessary.  

It is about a group of people researching and creating a prototype of a refined hairline grooves of a peacock. The product was pretty much reflected with sunlight and was unaffected by viewing angles. It is used for people that use e-readers. They only have static images currently, but they are thinking about putting moving images on it. This is also made as a reflective display for e-reader users. Having an e-reader isnt really bad. It is portable meaning that you can take it outside with you and be able to use it, but also this article will help all the e-reader users because it will give them static images, and soon moving images. I dont see any negative things about having this device. In my opinion this might help e-reader users because it will give them the entertainment to see static images, and soon moving images, rather than just thousands of words.

In this article, the global state of the current smart device market is addressed with its top two consumers being the U.S. and China. As of February 18, 2013, China has officially surpassed the U.S. in its number of active iOs and Android devices, a year after being named the fastest-growing smart device market in the world. According to estimations, China will have a 16M lead in smart devices installed on the U.S. by the end of February and their market will continue growing exponentially putting them far ahead of any other country. China's purchases in the smart device business, makes them an important group of interest for smart device companies such as Samsung and Apple, and the choices of the people will have a great impact upon the market. Especially in the competition between iOs and Android devices. In recent studies, the Android has nearly 75% of sales in China. This is not very comforting for the iOS since it might fall behind in competition due to consumer behavior in China's economy.

Basically it's about search engines and how they have a long memory and how we don't think before we post. Our immoral and illegal act online, such as the negative tweets towards Obama. Basically saying that whatever you post is hard to take back even if it was something you once did years ago. (Which you probably even know) "The past is hard to escape" I agree. No matter what bad things you do, if you put something out there, someone will remember for long periods. Just like remembering those embarrassing moments in elementary. Although it's a good thing to make it hard to escape. Most youths and victims will eventually find it a huge mistake/regret.

This article talks chiefly about Google Glass, a new type of device that Google aims at putting out on the consumer market by the end of this year. First, it discusses how even though our technology satisfies all our wants and needs, we are often severely distracted by it. We are looking at everything through a screen that we hold in a way that acts as a barrier between us and the world. What Google is trying to do with Glass is make doing simple things like using GPS and replying to texts a lot more easier. With Glass, you don't have to walk around looking down on your phone oblivious to all that goes around you to find your way to the place you need to get to. Some problems with Glass are that it needs data through Wi-Fi on its own and that if it has no connection it's functionality is greatly limited. Since Glass can record video and it's almost unnoticeable, there is a privacy concern because many people may get filmed on video without them knowing. Also, because most of the interaction is through voice commands, it may become hectic to use the device if it does not understand you when you speak. Right now Google Glass may seem like a gimmick but the longer people are exposed to it the more they will understand its value and potential uses. Basically the question is not if people will use Google Glass, but when.

This article is about the Playstation 4.  It Lists the new technology added to the Playstation 4, such as its new graphics card, the new RAM, and  the new GPU.  It also talks about some of the new features such as the new "suspend mode", in which you basically put the gaming console into a "sleep-mode", in which it cuts out the start up sequences, and takes you directly to the game. Also, you now have the option to connect your PSN to your facebook.  Playstation has changed and updated their console very much from the previous installments, and because of this, Sony will have a distinct advantage in the upcoming console race that will come later this year.

Interesting. Very interesting. Not.

Tetris is a popular game in today's society.  Almost everyone plays Tetris.  Why are people so hooked on this game though?  BBC published a report that states that it's the game's ability to continually provide a frustrating piece for the players to deal with, followed by the gratification of putting a piece in the right spot that is so appealing and makes the player wants to continue playing.  As well, once the game is started, the player is compelled to complete it.   The reason why I chose the tag of Portable Computing is because many companies are creating apps which allows people to play Tetris via their mobile devices.  The reason why they create this is because so many people enjoy playing Tetris, so the companies create apps for people to play Tetris on the go. 

When we're looking for new smart phones we often look at things like speed, convenience, size and other features. When we see all these new smart phone products in stores we don't really stop and think about who made it. All we see is this polished, new phone and that's all we ever try to see. However, this article forces you to look past those pristine products and see the hidden reality. This post shows the rankings of various phone brands based on their impact on human rights, animal rights, the environment and other ethics. Out of a possible score of 20, all the brands fell quite short with the highest score being 10.5. It brings up the various human rights violations of different companies and makes you wonder why such successful companies like Apple are still setting such a low standard for labor conditions. Living in our comfortable first world country, we don't see all the human rights violations and abuse that occurs in other countries. I was surprised to learn that in a Nokia factory, many people were hospitalized for lead poisoning after being told that lead wasn't harmful. The lives of these workers are put at risk every day, as they work to create our smart phones. This article makes you think a lot about our world's reliance on technology. In our country, we only see the positive side of technology. Around the world though, there's a whole other side to the story. People work in dangerous conditions and are abused often while they create our smart phones. It really makes you see these products in a whole other light. After reading this article, I see more when I look at a smart phone. I wonder what happened to the people that made this phone or how they're living now. Our world is changing because of the introduction of technology. It has made our life so much easier, but we have to remember that this can sometimes come at the cost of another human or animal's dignity and sometimes even their life.

This article talks about a new tablet line from Microsoft called "Surface". It is supposed to go with the new Windows 8 operating system which is supposed to be a more touch and mobile friendly system. At an event in LA Steve Ballmer showed 2 versions of Surface.  One is running Windows 8 Pro the other Windows RT. Each tablet comes with a stand and magnetically attachable covers to allow the tablet to be like a laptop. The type cover has a keyboard and trackpad, while the touch cover is a thinner keyboard cover that comes in many colours and has an accelerometer to let the system know when it's folded to deactivate the keyboard. Both have a 10.6-inch display. The RT version is 9.3mm thick and weights 673g while the Windows 8 Pro is 13.55mm thick and weighs 903g. Only the RT comes with productivity software like Office Home and Student pre-loaded. This release ties in with portable computing because it is an all new portable tablet that is from Microsoft. It also ties in with their new operating system that goes hand in hand with this tablet. It is something with a new innovative style and can be used in various ways as a laptop or tablet. It also ties in with economics and the whole Apple vs. Microsoft competition. Microsoft has created an "even better" version of the iPad. Now instead of going for the iPad people that like PC's and working with them can make the choice to use the Surface tablet which once again puts Microsoft and Apple in competition with one another for sales. All in all this is a great new tablet and I think it is great for all those Windows users that can get their hands on a new tablet from Microsoft.  It will be interesting to see if this new technology will blow up compared to the iPad and now the iPad Mini.

this article is about Google + improving their look, on the site making it easier to navigate and to get information.  Google+ will now offer profile pages that will include bigger photos, a la Facebook's Timeline, and feature a chat list that puts friends front and center on your page.

In 2012 Chrysler is releasing a new feature for the Dodge Dart. They will have a place where you can put your iPhone securely in your car and it will charge. There are no wires required although your phone must have this special case on it. It is a small compartment where you're phone can be placed and charge without it moving as you drive. I think this is convenient because you wouldn't need those cables to charge your phone in the car, and eliminates the distraction of the wire.

This story truly puts an end to the rumor that macs never get viruses and that they are unhackable. It was only a matter of time before something like this would happen, maybe not to this extent.  600,000 macs is a huge number which will cause macs reputation and reliability to take a hard blow.

Facebook is a website that is used by many users around the world. It is used to see others profiles and keep in touch with all your friends. Facebook usually has many games you can play with your friends like battleship and farmville. But now Facebook is thinking of having full games on the website. They want games to be easily accessible to buy. They want to start with games like Magicka, Dead Rising2, Saints Row3, etc. I think it is a great idea for Facebook because they can make a lot of money if they put popular games on the web. I personally would not buy them off Facebook because I prefer video games on a ps3 or xbox. It relates to the course because you need to program these games on the web for people to buy. As well, its on a social networking site which makes the games get purchased more often. 

This article talks about how people are not comfortable giving their credit card information to social networks. I agree with these people. Something as valuable and important as your credit card info should be protected. There are many hackers online and once you put something online you can never get it back. I found it interesting to discover that men ages 45-54 use their mobile devices to access social networks more than 18-44 year old people. 

E-books are more co-manly used these days instead of actual books. This is because you can store all these books on a digital device without having to carry a bunch of books around. I think it is good that Harry Potter is going to e-books because it is a very popular book that many people all over the world enjoy. Each book will cost $8-10 and it appears there are going to be enhanced books on the way. This relates to the course because you need to program the books onto the website so you can buy them and put them on your e-reader. The e-reader is the hardware where you can read the books. As well, i bet most of the people in this class have watched or read harry potter :) 

This article tells the story of Wei Xinlong, a student in China, needed a present to buy his girlfriend, but instead of paying retail price for a tablet, he built his own. This is a creative and effective way for Wei to please his girlfriend and he did it by saving a couple hundred dollars. This is realatable to my everyday life because I am in the situation wear I also want to buy a tablet but cannot afford the high price on the market. This man proved that by putting the effort and time into making your own tablet, you can create one that is just as good, in terms of it surfs the web, you can watch videos, and it is touchscreen compatible, all for just half the price.