The above picture expresses Sony's vision/goal for competing with Apple. Looks very similar doesn't it?! Because there model is so similar to Apples iTunes/iPod and so on I can wait to see what the future holds for Sony's new endevour to regain their footing in all their markets. So, over the next few weeks and months keep your eyes and ears open for any gossip about Sony! They could possibly attempt to storm the market place in force, either succeding and beating or competing with Apple or failing and not being able to measure up to Apple's products. Since Sony has never executed this strategy before and says they are trying to perfect their formula for success, will they abandon there newest concept if they dont feel they can compete with Apple? I believe that the answer to that question is. Yes, they would abandon they project if not expected to explode into the newest hottest technology for multimedia and entertainment users.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Technology Round-up: Sony Chief Pushes Online Plane For Recovery
The above picture expresses Sony's vision/goal for competing with Apple. Looks very similar doesn't it?! Because there model is so similar to Apples iTunes/iPod and so on I can wait to see what the future holds for Sony's new endevour to regain their footing in all their markets. So, over the next few weeks and months keep your eyes and ears open for any gossip about Sony! They could possibly attempt to storm the market place in force, either succeding and beating or competing with Apple or failing and not being able to measure up to Apple's products. Since Sony has never executed this strategy before and says they are trying to perfect their formula for success, will they abandon there newest concept if they dont feel they can compete with Apple? I believe that the answer to that question is. Yes, they would abandon they project if not expected to explode into the newest hottest technology for multimedia and entertainment users.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Technology Round-up: Intel sells it's own reader to the Health Care Market
Monday, November 9, 2009
Technology Round-up: Adding a "Sixth Sense" to your cell phone
New York Times > Technology > Bits > Adding a "Sixth Sense" to your cell phone. By: Vikas Bajaj
First off, many people including myself would never have thought they would have lived to see technology like this, because it is a complex integration of life around us through our cell phones. What this means is our cell phone has become in this instance can soon contain this new software which allows users to interact with anything in front of them via their cell phone while using their fingertips in mid air. Understandably it is a far fetched concept but it is also very interesting and on the brink of the cutting edge of technology. Sounds crazy, but here is a link to see and believe it. Here is a link to a YouTube video which gives you an informative explanation of the Sixth Sense as well as a visual of the new product.
As the Article explains, the "Sixth Sense" was created at MIT and is a combination of a camera and a projector working together with software for a cell phone to sync all three components. Although it seems bulky to be worn around the neck it is still considered to be a prototype and will most likely see an upgraded version after its initial testing and feedback phase is complete. Amazingly this new technologically advanced product only costs about $350 to make a single unit, assume that there will be minor increase in price before a final product is released to mainstream markets. The purpose of this new technology was chalked up to the new popularity with touch screens and using our hands and finger tips to interact with the most common of devices like our cell phone. Primarily combining a way for people to interact with the world and digital world with a sixth sense. This means that is you were standing outside looking at your house and wanted to take a picture you could hold your hands up in front of you and form a square with your two thumbs and index fingers. Then look through the square at your picture and bend your thumb to snap the picture. This is a fascinating feature amoung many others that will blow your mind.
After recent development talks between creators of the Sixth Sense at MIT and corporations like LG and Samsung, it comes to no suprise by me that those companies would be interested in a new innovative product such as this. Also at the same convention which the Sixth Sense was introduced was another product with many of the same ideas in a different format to look out for soon. A company called Wipro Technologies called their product an augmented reality system which is basically a pair of glasses with lots of technology accopanied by a back pack..But it allows similar new concepts to happen much like the Sixth Sense.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Technology Round-up: Autonet Mobile WiFi
The article is called GM to offer $500 Autonet Mobile WiFi Option in Select Vehicles > Engadget
By: Darren Murph
As expected higher end car makers such as Cadilac have already made the option of WiFi available to their newest customers. However, Autonet's CEO Sterling Pratz out of San Fransisco, has recent partnerships with many GM brands and other car manufacturers soon to follow. They say to expect to see dealer installed possible options for Autonet WiFi in many of this coming year new vehicle especially SUV's, crossover's, trucks and mini-vans. The reason for this is because the technology is so new and semi pricey it seems logical for them to target the more family driven vehicles allowing people in the back seats to enjoy watching movies online, facebook and surfing the web. While people in the front seats will be able to stream internet radio through their automobiles now as well. Autonet is expected to be approximatley $499 for installation and at least $29 per month to activate. Once activated it will produce an internet connection for users so long as they are within 150 feet from the car. Which should not be a problem for most people.
I think that the Autonet product is a great piece of new technology to add to our lives, which is why I chose to share this article with you. It will enable many small businesses to stay connected as well as teams to communicate more frequently. Also families are able to use the internet when traveling which aids long car rides for children. It can only make us wonder where we will be able to access the internet next! Check out the movie clip below found on Jay Leno's Garage site, with Jay Leno and Sterling Pratz, Autonet's CEO!
Clip from Jay Leno's Garage
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Technology Round-up: Sony's 360-degree 3D Display (blows minds)
Sony has recently discovered a brand new exciting way to display images and graphics via a 360-degree 3D display no larger than a blender or a small coffee maker. Just a short time ago Sony presented their new invention/creations prototype a Digital Convention Expo in Tokyo and people have been ranting and raving about their new prototype technology which they are being very careful to not let out any specifics or secrets. The only note they would make about how they were able to develop this new display was the fact that they utilize LED lighting display technology similar to what has been used in many devices people have been using for years.
For such a small device the object is only 13 centimeters in diameter and 27 centimeters tall with a screen resolution of 96 X 128 pixels which is not very close to what we are used to viewing, considering High Definition 1080 pixel screens. However, the new Sony display has shocked many due to images being displayed surprisingly clear and sharp. Although, their concept with this prototype was to develop a 360-degree and 3-Dimensional display platform, many people could speculate it would not take long for them to develop technology to enhance the pixels and quality of the screen resolution. Moreover, the next step for Sony is going to be to take their prototype and make another with a much bigger screen, but this should take about one year to develop, where as the original prototype took three years to complete. After the completion of their larger one in 2010 they will be addressing the issue of applications of their product as well as release it into the market place.
Check out this video about the Sony 360-degree 3D display:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAS55_RngoQ
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Technology Round-up: TV Stations Start Broadcasting to Mobile Gadgets
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Technology Round-up: Low Expectations and Windows 7
By: Robert Cyran and Una Galani
This article starts off discussing how the majority of the past decade was not extrodinarily impresive for Microsoft. After their biggest recent hit operating system Windows XP, which was introduced over either years ago. Microsoft has since launched Windows Vista preceding what is to be available soon Windows 7. Expected to satisfy most of the user complaints about Windows Vista, Windows 7 was developed. Although their new operating system seems much much better than Vista only time will tell after their launch. Improved from Vista, Windows 7 is expected to be a faster system and have fewer delays for the user. Interesting fact, out of 1.2 billion PC’s worldwide, one-fifth use Vista and four-fifths use XP. Furthermore, many useres who kept older computers over the past several years to avoid upgrading to Vista like most businesses are approaching an average of six years, being the time it has been since most PC users have upgraded their PC.
More recently as well as developing Windows 7 and dealing with Vista issues, Microsoft has seen it’s newest search engine Bing begin to take off and formed a partnership with Yahoo. Although, these recent highlights with Yahoo and Bing, Windows 7 is expected to be a success. However, Microsofts market share and stocks depend on Windows 7 to have a good launch and be a successful to where the majority of windows users will invest in the upgrade. If it does not go well we could see them plateau a little bit, it surely will not help their business to produce another unwanted operating system but it seems they may be able to take the hit. Then struggling for market share and the next big thing would most likely be their ticket to the top again or possibly their demise.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Technology Round-up: Autoation Software
New York Times > Technology > Bits > Beware, Humans. The Era of Automation Software Has Begun, By: Ashley Vance
In this article, Hewlett Packard explains their plans for launching their newly developed Automation Software, which has intentions of replacing duties which were done prior by humans. Although many companies are constantly striving to save money on labor costs and this could be a solution to many of them. It could also present the threat of more lay-offs in the future. However it should still be a huge technological advancement for Hewlett Packard, businesses, and humans.
It’s to be expected that other companies have already or will be developing similar products, but the fact remains unclear to me whether or not this would mean even higher unemployment rates in some areas. Labor arbitrage issues seem to be prevalent when discussing this new software technology. Furthermore, this software could save currently suffering companies and be proven to be attractive to large and small companies and corporations pending pricing.
In my opinion, I believe this new technology like most new technology can be a great benefit to those who understand who to use it properly and with certain regard for its consequences. This article caught my attention because it is amazing how fast new technology is launched and could change the way we live and do business.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Technology Round-up: New Dell Laptop
Article: Dell Laptops Tries to Impress Impression Makers
New York Times > Technolgy > Dell Laptops Tries to Impress Impression Makers,
By: Ashley Vance
It is amazing the new technology and features which are developed and presented to buyers by computer companies every week, month and year. This week after reading this article I learned the Dell has taken certain ideologies from concepts such as the iphone and reasearched ways to create their own technology as appealing and desired and the iphone has quickly become. Dell's newest ad most recent creation is called the Latitude Z it is a laptop which is meant for executive always on the go who strive to impress wherever they go. The price for this will start at $1,999 which comes with some new features which have been demanded by executive over time. Some of the features which make this laptop appealing to executives is the thin sleek appearance which could arguably resemble the Mac Book laptop. Other than it's appearance it has also many more wireless quirks to make traveling easy as well as an instant-on software, instantly connecting to the internet as soon as it is opened. It seems out of all the people surveyed about this laptop and technology 70% said to spend most of their time working in instant-on mode.
It as interesting to read this article because after reading I thought that it seemed almost as if Del was trying to compete directly with Mac products. Plus having looked at many laptops and noteboos ecently online at Dell.com just a few weeks agao was not aware of a few of the capabilities which Dell had to offer in some of it's newest products. In my opinion Dell has done a great job always moving the company forward, it is interesting to see where they get some of their ideas and it seems to me after reading this article that the MAC Books and iphones arent and wont be the only deice of its kind for long.
Software Demonstration
Quick Header/Footer Demonstration Link:
http://www.screentoaster.com/watch/stV0tVQ0NIR1xbQ19aUltZUVVd
STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS: To help follow along with the demonstration or for general reference and or more detailed expanations.
How to Create a Custom Header/Footer in Microsoft Word 2007
(When using Windows Vista)
Opening Microsoft Word 2007
1. How to open Microsoft Word 2007
a. Click on the start menu button, located to the left of the task bar
2. Before doing anything else type “word” into the search box
a. Scan through the search results and find Microsoft Word 2007
3. Move the mouse pointer over where it says “Microsoft Word 2007” then click on it
Creating Headers
4. In MS Word, move the mouse pointer to the upper left corner of the screen and then click on the “Insert” tab.
5. Once the Insert tab is open: Click on the icon that says “Header”, an options menu will open.
a. By scrolling down you can select many different styles and types of Headers to make a document look more personalized or professional as well as editing.
6. To select a certain Header, double click on the one you wish to use
7. Furthermore, filling out the proper information. If you wish to change or edit the header later in the process of creating a document.
a. Simply double click on your chosen header and then double click on the main middle body of the document to exit the header
Creating Footers
8. In MS Word, move the mouse pointer to the upper left corner of the screen and then click on the “Insert” tab.
9. Once the Insert tab is open: Click on the icon that says “Footer”, an options menu will open.
10. Scroll down select type of Footer to make a document look more personalized or professional
11. To select a certain Header, double click on the one you wish to use
a. Furthermore, filling out the proper information. If you wish to change or edit the Footer later in the process of creating a document. Simply double click on your Footer to edit and then double click on the main middle body of the document to exit the header
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Careful Computing Assignment
FIRST CCleaner Scan Results - SCREEN SHOT 1
After CCLeaner completed the first “cleaner” scan, there was 98 MB of temp files from IE, windows explorer and the system which were deemed to be cluttering my computer. Also after the first scan these files were removed.
SECOND CCleaner Scan Results - SCREEN SHOT 2
The second scan ran for CCleaner, I ran the “Registry cleaner” to clean the registry and there were 9 issues found after scan completed, which were then fixed directly following the scan. Different from the “cleaner” function, it was interesting to see CClean was able to track and fix these issues rather than the “cleaner scan” tracking useless or temp files to be removed.
FIRST Spybot Scan Results - SCREEN SHOT 1
After the first Search and Destroy scan for spyware, there were 8 problems found. All 8 problems were Tracking Cookies. It was surprising to see the Spybot find 8 immediate spyware threats after running a CCleaner before and removing 98 MB of files.
SECOND Spybot Scan Results - SCREEN SHOT 2
After running a second Search and Destroy scan the next day there were no tracking cookies or spyware found, meaning my computer currently has no immediate spyware threats.
2.) I think spyware can be more dangerous than adware because although adware like pop-ups are annoying, spyware could be spying on your personal information, collecting it possibly to be used against you in the future.
3.) I think if you are not careful about how much and what you are downloading and installing on to your computer you could inflict spyware on your computer or through filling out internet forms and browsing certain sites.
4.) I think some software contains spyware or adware because certain people actually use the process of attaching spyware to software with the intentions of obtaining someone else’s personal information. Also companies could use adware of their way of partnering with another company forcing their commodity on you in a different way or in a package deal. Bottom line I think adware is annoying yet very aggressive web advertising.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tech. Round-up / Web Radio vs. Mobile Web Radio
There is an article I discovered listed below which I found interesting because of the ever rapidly expanding uses or capabilities our cell phones have had in the past and have today.
New York Times > Technology > Listening to Radio on the Web? That’s So Last YearBy Claire Cain Miller
This article proves right from the start that people most recently prefer to use a site or app such as Pandora to listen to music via the web by stating that of the 65,000 new users signing up every day approx. 45,000 sign up via mobile phone. Compare Pandora's current 11 milion mobile application useres versus 35 million useres registered for the traditional web application. I thought these numbers were shocking, awakening me to the fact that mobile devices such as the iPhone or a blackberry are no longer special just because of web, mp3, e-mail, cameras and much more but are capable of fulfilling most all of your desires through a downloadable app. All and all I have used Pandora online before and feel it is a great concept and will continue to use it, as for Pandora online for mobile devices I feel it is very similar to an iPod or mp3 player with radio.
Although, I may have been left behind recently as far music technology is concerned, I believe this is yet another great addition to the compilation of apps and options for our mobile devices. I think people enjoy having the option to listen to all types of music at any given time. This seems to be a concept that Pandora’s app for the web and mobile devices has accomplished. People are no longer constrained to listening to the radio in only their cars or at their homes. Also triggering a breakthrough for the broadcasting stations which have suffered from the mp3 an iTunes era pulling people slowly away from traditional radio.